MANILA — Search and rescue operations were underway on Tuesday after an aircraft carrying six foreign nationals crashed into a cliff on Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines, local media reported.

The retrieval work was continuing at the site, said Philip June Caminade, an official of a local disaster management office.

Residents saw the aircraft flying low before it hit the cliff, Caminade said.

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The plane reportedly came from Butuan City in the northeastern part of Mindanao Island, and those aboard were believed to be exploring Mount Apo, according to media reports.