The U.S. military has identified Sgt. Jacob M. Durham, a Marine from California, as one of the four victims killed in a plane crash in the Philippines on Thursday. The crash involved a small U.S.-contracted aircraft conducting a routine mission in support of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.
Details of the Plane Crash
The light aircraft went down in a rice field near Ampatuan, a town in the southern Maguindanao del Sur province. The crash occurred during a mission aimed at providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support requested by the Philippines, according to officials at Camp Pendleton in California and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
What We Know So Far:
- The crash happened Thursday, February 8, 2025.
- All four people on board, including Sgt. Durham and three defense contractors, died.
- Residents reportedly saw smoke and heard an explosion before the aircraft crashed about half a mile from a cluster of farmhouses.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, and officials have not released further details about what led to the incident.
Sgt. Jacob M. Durham: A Life of Service
Sgt. Durham, whose hometown in California has not been disclosed, joined the U.S. Marines in January 2021 and quickly advanced through the ranks, achieving his current position on February 1, 2025. He was trained as an electronic intelligence/electromagnetic warfare analyst and was assigned to the 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Meritorious Mast
- Naval Aircrew Insignia
Commanding Officer’s Tribute
Lt. Col. Mabel B. Annunziata, commanding officer of the 1st Radio Battalion, praised Durham’s composure, intelligence, and leadership, saying:
“Sgt. 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.”
U.S.-Philippines Military Cooperation
The mission was part of a long-standing partnership between the United States and the Philippines, with U.S. forces deployed at a Philippine military camp in the country’s south. For decades, U.S. personnel have provided training, advice, and support to Filipino forces combating Muslim militant groups in the region.
The crash highlights the ongoing security cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the Maguindanao del Sur region, which has historically faced insurgencies involving extremist groups.
Eyewitness Accounts
According to Windy Beaty, a provincial disaster officer, local residents reported seeing smoke and hearing an explosion moments before the aircraft plummeted into a rice field. The wreckage was found half a mile from nearby farmhouses, and the bodies of the victims were recovered by local authorities.
Ameer Jehad Tim Ambolodto, a safety officer in Maguindanao del Sur, confirmed that Philippine authorities are working alongside U.S. officials to investigate the incident and retrieve crucial information from the crash site.
Investigation Underway
Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have confirmed that an investigation into the crash is ongoing. U.S. officials hope that surveillance data and reports from witnesses will help determine what caused the crash.
The tragic loss of Sgt. Jacob M. Durham serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by service members in the line of duty. Described as a respected leader and dedicated Marine, Durham’s legacy will live on through the impact he made within the Marine Corps community.
As the investigation continues, both the U.S. military and Philippine authorities remain committed to uncovering the cause of this tragic accident.
