The military cargo plane C-130 Hercules of the Philippine Air Force crashed after takeoff in the Southern Philippines, specifically on its way to Iloilo City to pick up members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) last August 27. The plane crashed and sank 4 km. off the shore of Barangay Bucana in Davao City within the vicinity of Samal and Talikod Islands. Nine people aboard sank 600 ft. underwater, too deep for divers to reach, reported by the Philippine Navy.

Navy Capt Rosauro Gonzales said the wreckage of the aircraft was located 2.5 nautical miles southwest of Samal island, a short distance from Davao International Airport, from where the plane took off Monday evening. It was reported that fishermen found body parts, a torn uniform, combat boots and other debris. However, radio station DZBB reported that underwater camera found no trace of the nine crew, which included 2 pilots. Philippine military officials are still on their mission to search for the remains of the 9 crews.

Philippine Air Force speculated that lightning could have caused the crash of the C-130 despite the fact that it was equipped with a lightning arrester. Eyewitnesses said that a lightning struck and saw the plane into flames before it crashed.

PAF Chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog went to Davao to personally attend to the grieving family of the pilot Maj. Manuel Zambrano, co-pilot Capt. Adrian de Dios and other seven crewmembers.

The C-130 is one of only two operated by the Philippine Air Force. PAF cheif Cadungog said the PAF’s remaining C-130 Hercules plane is now grounded and being prepared for inspection at the Mactan Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City.