Philippine Authorities: "17 Dead, 40 Rescued in Military Transport Plane Crash" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Philippine authorities announced that a military aircraft heading to a southern island crashed, resulting in 17 deaths and 40 rescues out of 92 passengers. As search operations expand, there are concerns that the death toll may rise further.

According to foreign media including AFP on the 4th (local time), Philippine authorities announced that at around 11:30 a.m. that day, a Philippine military C-130 transport plane attempted to land on Hollo Island but crashed in the mountainous area of Patikul.

Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana stated at a press conference that "There were 92 people on board the crashed transport plane, including 3 pilots and 5 crew members," and added, "17 bodies were found in the burning wreckage, and 40 people have been rescued so far." The rescued soldiers are reportedly being treated at a nearby military hospital.

Philippine Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Cirilito Sobejana, who appeared at the press conference, said, "A very unfortunate incident occurred," explaining, "The pilot could not find the runway and lost control of the transport plane, which ultimately crashed." He added, "Rescue operations are ongoing at the site to find survivors." While the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined, Philippine military authorities stated that no signs of attack on the transport plane were found.

The soldiers on board the transport plane had recently completed basic military training and were being deployed to areas where Islamic insurgents are active. It is known that in the mountainous area of Hollo Island where the accident occurred, the Philippine government forces and the Islamic insurgent group Abu Sayyaf have been engaged in clashes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.