Death toll in Philippine military plane crash increases to 29

The death toll in the Philippines’ military plane crash on July 4 has risen to 29, said a local military commander.

Major General William Gonzales said 17 personnel remained unaccounted for, while about 50 were injured and are being treated in hospitals.

Rescue activities are underway, with the number of dead victims predicted to continue rising.

The air force C-130 aircraft, which was transporting troops from southern Cagayan de Oro city in Mindanao to Sulu’s main town of Jolo, crashed in a southern province after missing the runway on July 4. It was trying to land in Patikul city in Sulu province.

The Philippine Army's Chief Lieut. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said that the plane missed the runway and it was trying to regain power but failed and crashed.

A military spokesman, Colonel Edgard Arevalo, said there was no indication of any attack on the plane, but that a crash investigation had not begun and efforts were focused on rescue and treatment.

The location at which the incident happened has long seen conflicts between the military and Islamic gunmen in the Philippines./.

VNA