AMPATUAN, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — December 8, 2025. Representatives from the U.S. Military returned to Barangay Malatimon on Monday to hand over cash assistance and compensation to residents whose properties were damaged in the fatal plane crash that occurred in the area on February 6, 2025.
The turnover was held at the Headquarters of the 601st Brigade in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, led by Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Brigade, together with Major Saber G. Balogan, CMO Officer of the unit. Barangay Chairman Hon. Sherad Malang was also present to witness the distribution of assistance to the identified beneficiaries.
The compensation beneficiaries include:
- Mrs. Bainola O. Akan, owner of the carabao that died as a result of the crash
- Mr. Ali Lakiman, owner of the rice field damaged during the incident
- Mr. Basit Akan, owner of the land where the aircraft impacted
Representatives of the U.S. Military assured continued coordination with local authorities and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting residents affected by the tragic crash, which killed all four passengers aboard a Raytheon Beechcraft King Air 300 contracted by the U.S. Military.
In his message, beneficiary Ali Lakiman, whose rice field was damaged, expressed deep gratitude for the assistance. “We, the beneficiaries, extend our heartfelt gratitude to the U.S. Military, the 601st Brigade, and our local officials for the assistance provided to us. This support greatly helps our families recover from the damage caused by the incident. We appreciate your immediate response, sincerity, and continued commitment to our community. Maraming salamat po,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Catu likewise thanked U.S. Military representatives for their quick and consistent support. “We sincerely thank our partners from the U.S. Military for their swift action and unwavering support to the affected families of Brgy. Malatimon. Your commitment to addressing the needs of the community demonstrates the strength of our partnership and our shared dedication to humanitarian assistance. We value this cooperation and look forward to continuing our efforts in promoting peace, development, and resilience in our area of responsibility,” he said.
Background of the Incident
On February 6, 2025, a private aircraft identified as a Beechcraft King Air 300 (tail number N349CA) crashed into a rice field in Barangay Malatimon. The incident, which occurred past 2 p.m., claimed the lives of all four individuals on board—believed to be foreign nationals—based on initial police and MDRRMO reports. A carabao in the crash area was also severely injured.
The aircraft was reportedly conducting an aerial survey and was en route to Cotabato when it went down. The U.S. Military confirmed the plane had been contracted for operations in the Philippines but did not release further details.
As of this latest update, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has yet to release its official findings on the cause of the crash.
Monday’s turnover of assistance marks a significant step in addressing the damage suffered by local residents and strengthening ongoing cooperation between U.S. forces, security units, and Maguindanao communities.