February 15, 2025
by Capt. Krizza Lorraine Rivas
All four passengers on board a Beechcraft King Air 350, with registration N349CA, perished after it crashed into a rice field in Barangay Malatimon, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, at approximately 2:00 PM PHT on February 6, 2025, while carrying out a routine surveillance mission.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Kanishka Gangopadhyay, confirmed that the U.S. military contracted the twin-engine turboprop aircraft. The aircraft was operated by Metrea Special Aerospace ISR, Inc., a U.S.-based defense contractor known for specializing in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which is just among the many services it offers.
The routine surveillance mission was requested by the Philippine government as part of its U.S.-Philippine security cooperation activities in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
This is not the first time a routine surveillance mission has taken place in Mindanao, as this has been common to assist in the Philippine counterinsurgency operations against rebel groups. AFP engagements with USINDOPACOM date back to the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) on August 30, 1951. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that this collaboration is ‘built on mutual trust and cooperation,’ highlighting the enduring military alliance between the two nations.
The bodies of the four victims have been retrieved by emergency responders on the date of the accident, as confirmed by the provincial disaster response officer Ameer Jehad Ambolodto. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) confirmed in a statement that three of the four victims were defense contractors employed by Metrea. Their identity, together with the fourth victim, a U.S. military service member, has not been disclosed.
No civilians on the ground sustained any injuries from the crash. However, a water buffalo was fatally wounded on its snout when the aircraft struck it upon impact. Authorities in Ampatuan later confirmed the animal’s death. Photos of the animal at the crash site circulated widely on social media, drawing attention to the incident.
The owner, Bainola Akan, 60, a Maguindanao widow, is humbly seeking assistance from the government as the buffalo was her help in hauling harvested palay from the rice field to dry and store it elsewhere. Local officials have yet to comment on possible compensation for the loss of her livelihood.
On February 6, 2025, the Beechcraft King Air 350 took off from Mactan-Cebu International Airport before heading toward Cotabato City. By 2:00 PM PHT, it was seen flying low over the open field, where it tragically crashed. The exact departure time has not been disclosed.
According to The Associated Press (AP), provincial disaster mitigation officer Windy Beaty reported that local residents saw smoke coming from the aircraft and heard an explosion before it abruptly nose-dived.
Law enforcement and military personnel responded promptly, securing the crash site to prevent any further interference with potential evidence. They successfully established a perimeter; however, unverified footage circulating online suggests that the site may have been disturbed before authorities arrived. No official statements have confirmed the extent of any possible tampering.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. In an official statement, Metrea announced that it has activated its emergency response protocol and is working closely with appropriate government agencies to identify the cause of the crash. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is leading the investigation, together with the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Details will remain disclosed according to the AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla to ensure confidentiality and operational security.
As the investigation progresses, the Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BARMM), requests the public to abstain from speculating on the cause of the accident.
On behalf of the AFP, Col. Padilla expressed her deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in the tragic crash.