US Marine Killed in Spy Plane Crash on China’s Doorstep Identified

Key Takeaways:

• A U.S. Marine died in a plane crash in the Philippines.
• Three defense contractors were also killed in the incident.
• The aircraft was on a routine intelligence mission requested by the Philippine government.
• The cause of the crash is under investigation.
• The incident underscores ongoing U.S.-Philippines security cooperation against militants.

Marine Sergeant Killed in Philippines Plane Crash

A U.S. Marine from California has been identified as one of four people killed when a military-contracted aircraft crashed in a rice field in the southern Philippines. Sergeant Jacob M. Durham, 22, of Long Beach, died Thursday when the aircraft, conducting a routine intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission at the request of the Philippine government, went down, officials at Camp Pendleton, California, confirmed.

Details of the Crash

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirmed the crash occurred in Maguindanao del Sur province. The aircraft was supporting efforts against Muslim militants in the region, which houses a minority Muslim population within the predominantly Roman Catholic nation. Safety officer Ameer Jehad Tim Ambolodto reported that the bodies of all four victims were recovered from the wreckage in Ampatuan town.

Eyewitness Accounts

Windy Beaty, a provincial disaster-mitigation officer, told The Associated Press that local residents saw smoke coming from the plane and heard an explosion before it crashed less than a kilometer (about half a mile) from a cluster of farmhouses. “They witnessed smoke and then an explosion,” Beaty said, highlighting the suddenness of the tragic event.

About Sergeant Durham

Sergeant Durham was assigned to the 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, serving as an electronic intelligence and electromagnetic warfare analyst. He enlisted in January 2021 and was promoted to sergeant on February 1. His commendations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Meritorious Mast, and the Naval Aircrew Insignia.

Official Statement

Lieutenant Colonel Mabel B. Annunziata, commanding officer of the 1st Radio Battalion, honored Durham’s service: “Sergeant Durham embodied the highest traditions of the Marine Corps—exemplifying composure, intelligence, and selfless leadership. He was deeply respected and loved by his fellow Marines. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and his fellow Marines during this profoundly difficult time.”

Ongoing U.S.-Philippines Cooperation

The incident underscores the ongoing security cooperation between the United States and the Philippines, where American forces have been deployed for decades to provide training and assistance to Filipino troops combating Muslim militants. The partnership aims to stabilize regions affected by insurgent activities and strengthen regional security.

Investigation Continues

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The U.S. military has yet to release the names of the three defense contractors who also perished in the crash. U.S. military and Philippine authorities are collaborating to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

This article contains reporting by The Associated Press.