Two pilots were killed Thursday when their air cargo plane crashed and exploded outside Busuanga Airport in Barangay Decalacho, Coron, Palawan, according to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. local time shortly after takeoff, following the loading of live fish products.
Search and retrieval teams recovered the bodies of the pilot and co-pilot at about 3 p.m. The crash prompted a temporary suspension of runway operations, which later resumed.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns in regional air cargo operations.
