An ultralight aircraft crashed in a rice field in Concepcion, Tarlac, resulting in the deaths of both people on board.

The victims were a male pilot and a female passenger, both in their late teens.

They were residents of Mabalacat City and Macabebe in Pampanga.

According to a police report, the crashed aircraft was discovered in Barangay Panaliciscan at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, and was reported at 12:35 p.m.

The victims sustained serious physical injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Concepcion for medical treatment by responding Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management personnel but were declared dead on arrival.

Concepcion

Concepción is a major city in Chile, founded in 1550 near the mouth of the Biobío River. It has been repeatedly damaged by earthquakes and tsunamis throughout its history, leading to its relocation to its current site in the 18th century. Today, it is a vital economic and educational hub for the region.

Tarlac

Tarlac is a province in the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region. Historically, it was a significant site during the Philippine Revolution against Spain and later served as the capital of the First Philippine Republic under President Emilio Aguinaldo in 1899. Today, it is known for its agricultural lands, diverse cultural heritage, and as the home of the Monasterio de Tarlac, a prominent religious site.

Mabalacat City

Mabalacat City is a first-class component city in Pampanga, Philippines, which originated as a forest settlement of the Negrito Aeta people. Its name is derived from the abundance of “balacat” trees in the area. Historically, it gained prominence during World War II as the site of the Japanese military’s Clark Air Base and was a key location for the formation of the first kamikaze units.

Pampanga

Pampanga is a province in the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region, renowned as the country’s “Culinary Capital” for its rich and flavorful cuisine. Historically, it was one of the first provinces established by the Spanish colonizers in 1571 and served as an important political and economic center. The region is also famous for its vibrant festivals, such as the Giant Lantern Festival, and for the resilience of its people, notably demonstrated during the recovery from the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

Macabebe

Macabebe is a municipality in the Philippines’ Pampanga province, historically known as a significant settlement during the pre-colonial and Spanish colonial eras. It is most famous for being the home of Tarik Soliman (or Bambalito), a chieftain who led the first recorded resistance against Spanish forces in 1571. The town’s name is also linked to the Macabebe Scouts, a Filipino military unit that served under both Spanish and American colonial rule.

Barangay Panaliciscan

Barangay Panaliciscan is a coastal village located in the municipality of Banton, Romblon, Philippines. Historically, it has been a community sustained by fishing and agriculture, with cultural ties to the indigenous traditions of the Romblomanon people. The area is known for its scenic natural beauty, including views of the Sibuyan Sea.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

“Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management” (MDRRM) is not a physical place but a local government system and framework in the Philippines. It was institutionalized by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, shifting the focus from mere disaster response to proactive prevention and mitigation. This system empowers local municipalities to assess their vulnerabilities, prepare for hazards, and build community resilience against natural and human-induced disasters.