US Military-Contracted Plane Crash in Philippines Kills Four

A US service member and three defense contractors died in a crash during an intelligence mission in Maguindanao del Sur.

A Beechcraft King Air 350, contracted by the US military, crashed in the southern Philippines, killing all four on board.
The victims included one US service member and three defense contractors; their identities have not yet been released pending family notification.
The crash occurred during a routine intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission requested by Philippine allies.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, and authorities have cordoned off the site to prevent tampering with evidence.
The aircraft was registered to the defense firm Metrea, which provides national security services, and struck a water buffalo during the crash.