Plane that went missing in Dinagat Islands found

An official of Dinagat Islands has confirmed that the missing civilian aircraft, RP-C2444, that reportedly crashed in the mountainous area of Barangay Navarro, Tubajon town in Dinagat Islands has been found.

Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey, Jr. said residents reported hearing a loud explosion at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

"Nitawag ang CAAP nga naay airplane nga nag-emergency landing murag ana mura naay nibuto nagpasaka dayon ta sa atong Municipal Disaster, Provincial Disaster, pulis, atong Coast Guard, ug atong BFP to check the area. Cessna tail number 2444 is identified. Therefore, the plane nga naa sa area is the RP-C2444,” Demerey said.

The provincial government immediately launched search and rescue operations, which eventually led authorities to the crash site in the evening.

Residents then found aircraft debris in the area, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

Rescue operations for those on board are still ongoing, as of this writing.

“Authorities assure the public that all necessary measures are being undertaken to ensure a thorough and coordinated response. Efforts remain focused on search, retrieval, and ensuring the safety of responders and nearby communities,” PDRRMC said. — GMA Regional TV