Air Force choppers sent to verify reports of plane that crashed in Sultan Kudarat

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Military and local officials have sent search and rescue teams in the hinterland borders of Esperanza and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat to verify a report that a plane crashed Sunday noon in Sultan Kudarat province.

Brig. Gen. Noli Orense, deputy division commander of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said on Sunday that two Air Force Huey Helicopters have been dispatched to the mountains but they have not found any aircraft.

Quoting farmers in the mountains of Esperanza, Mayor Helen Latog said residents of Barangay Marquez heard a loud mid-air explosion at past 11 a.m.

Speaking over the radio, Latog said residents had informed local officials that after hearing a loud explosion, they saw a plane diving in the Daguma ranges of Sultan Kudarat.

“The reports are still sketchy. The Armed Forces had also dispatched helicopters to check on reports,” Orense told reporters.

“No confirmation yet, no plane or debris has been found, our troops on the ground still have to reach the reported crash site,” Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th ID said. SFM