The ministry fears that more passengers have died, because 17 people are still missing, including five soldiers. 50 were also injured.
Missed runway
There were probably just under 100 people on board. Reports differ about the number of occupants. Initially, the authorities spoke of 85 people, other sources say 92 people on board. Of the dead, 29 are military and two are civilians, a defense spokesman said.
At least 50 people have been rescued alive from the burning aircraft, a C-130. Rescuers were quickly on the scene. “We pray that we can save more lives,” said General Cirilito Sobejana. He said the plane missed the runway and crashed while attempting a go-around.
Counter Terrorism
Many of the occupants recently completed basic military training and have been deployed to the island as part of a joint task force fighting terrorism in the Muslim-majority region.
The military has a strong presence in the southern Philippines, where militant groups are active, including the Muslim Abu Sayyaf group, which carries out kidnappings for ransom.
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