MANILA, Philippines (Reuters) – A plane carrying Philippine troops crashed and burst into flames in the southern Philippines on Sunday, killing at least 17 people, according to media reports. The Lockheed C-130 aircraft experienced a landing incident, the air force said in a statement. “Recovery operations are ongoing,” the statement read. Flames and smoke could be seen streaming from the plane’s wreckage among trees in Patikul, Sulu province, where the army has long fought Islamist terrorists. According to the New York Times, 17 dead have been discovered, with the death toll anticipated to grow, quoting a local commander. According to initial reports from Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana, the jet was carrying 92 people, including three pilots and five additional crew members. At least 40 passengers were rescued from the downed plane and are now being treated, according to armed forces leader Cirilito Sobejana./n
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