Philippine Airlines Flight 116
| Industry | Airline |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 26, 1941 |
| Headquarters | Manila , Philippines |
| Products | Air transportation services |
| Website | www |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2022) |
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Philippine Airlines Flight 116 was a domestic route managed by Philippine Airlines from Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City bound for Ninoy Aquino International Airport. On May 21, 1976, six individuals armed with weapons seized control of the plane shortly after takeoff and redirected it to Zamboanga International Airport. Upon arrival, military and law enforcement personnel confronted the aircraft. Negotiations persisted until May 23, when security forces attempted to retake the plane by force. A violent exchange involving gunfire and grenade detonations ensued, igniting a fire aboard the aircraft. This confrontation resulted in the deaths of ten passengers and three hijackers.[1][2][3]
Hijacking
On May 21, 1976, at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time, Flight 116, operated by a BAC One-Eleven, departed from Davao City en route to Manila International Airport. Merely ten minutes into the flight, six armed individuals—originating from Makati and affiliated with the Moro Liberation Front—declared their takeover of the aircraft. Among them, three carried grenades; two were equipped with .45 caliber pistols; and one possessed a .22 caliber firearm.
The hijackers initially demanded that the pilots redirect the plane to Libya, seeking asylum in a manner similar to a prior Philippine Airlines hijacking earlier that April.
The captain engaged in dialogue with the group's leader, identified as Commander Zapata, explaining that the plane lacked sufficient fuel for such a journey. Consequently, Zapata instructed the flight crew to divert toward Sabah. After further discussion regarding fuel limitations, he reluctantly agreed to reroute to Zamboanga.
Upon touchdown at Zamboanga around 3:00 p.m., two armored vehicles were stationed directly in front of the aircraft.
The hijackers then presented demands for $375,000 in ransom along with a larger aircraft to facilitate transportation to Libya. They threatened to detonate explosives onboard if their conditions were not fulfilled by both the Philippine government and Philippine Airlines. Negotiations extended over an entire day while law enforcement and military units maintained surveillance. At one stage, authorities considered infiltrating the plane disguised as relatives of hostages. The following day, five women and nine children were released in exchange for provisions; however, reports indicate that no passengers received food or water until May 23.
May 23 – the confrontation
The Armed Forces of the Philippines was mobilized to resolve the crisis, comprising elements from the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and the Philippine Constabulary. Only a limited number of military vehicles were on standby, including two Cadillac Gage Commandos. The operation was commanded by General Mariano E. Castaneda Jr.
The two V150 armored fighting vehicles that had been positioned in front of the aircraft were subsequently moved to block the cockpit and other critical sections. One of these vehicles collided with the jet, triggering alarm among the hijackers and causing grenades inside the cabin to detonate.
Security forces breached the aircraft, initiating a prolonged gunfight. Explosions from grenades ignited a fire within the plane. The exchange resulted in the deaths of three hijackers and ten passengers, while 23 others sustained injuries, primarily during evacuation efforts. The three surviving hijackers were apprehended shortly after and later executed by a firing squad.
The aircraft was deemed a total loss and marked the first anti-hijacking mission conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In 1990, a former passenger filed a lawsuit against Philippine Airlines; however, the case was ultimately dismissed.
Aircraft
This plane was a BAC One-Eleven Series 500, built in Hurn with an initial test registration of G-AYOS. It first took flight in 1970 and was delivered to Philippine Airlines in 1971 under the registration PI-C1161. In 1974, its registration was changed to RP-C1161.
References
- ↑ Pathé, British. "Philippines: Philippines Hijack Shootout". www.britishpathe.com. Retrieved 2022-06-11.
- ↑ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident BAC One-Eleven 527FK RP-C1161 Zamboanga Airport (ZAM)". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 2022-06-11.
- ↑ "3 Hijackers and 10 Hostages Die As Philippine Plane Is Set Afire". The New York Times. 1976-05-24. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
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