By Anthony Vargas
DateLine Philippines

MANILA–An Air Force general was among those killed when a military plane crashed soon after taking off from Cotabato City late Thursday morning, the military said.

A message from the Regional 12 police director, Chief Superintendent Josefino Cataluña, confirmed that Major General Mario “Butch” R. Lacson, commander of the , commander of the 3rd Air Wing Division based in Zamboanga City, was among the eight passengers and crew of an Air Force Nomad plane that crashed in Virgo Subdivision, Rosary Heights 9 at around 11:30 a.m.

All were killed.

Cataluña identified the other fatalities as a Major Tacuboy, Captain Ordoñez, the female pilot, 1st Lieutenant Valdez, 1st Lieutenant Lepae, and Sergeants Jamera and Gosum.

Cotabato City police chief, Senior Superintendent Willie Dangane, said the plane was on its way from Davao City to Zamboanga but had dropped off Colonel Cris Tumanda, commander of the Air Force Tactical Operations Group at Awang airport.

It crashed just minutes after taking off.

Three houses were damaged when the plane plowed into them and at least one civilian on the ground was injured.

Gela Gumiton suffered head and body injuries and has been admitted to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center. Her house was totally burned. The residence of Gapor Camilyan was partially burned while that of Rogelio Daet was damaged by a propeller from the downed plane.

Eastern Mindanao Command chief, Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer, earlier said the plane burst into flames on impact.

“Pag-impact daw, nagkaroon ng parang apoy e, so may nasunog pang bahay, so hindi makalapit agad (On impact, there was a fire, so there are burning houses, so rescuers could not approach right away),” Ferrer said.

The Nomad, which has a crew of three, can carry up to six passengers.