A Philippine Air Force surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft encountered engine trouble, forcing the pilots to make an emergency landing in Mactan, Cebu, on Wednesday.

PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said the Cessna 208B EX Grand Caravan was on a "confidential mission" in the Visayas when one of its engines caught fire while flying at 2,000 feet around 2:15 a.m. on 4 October.

"The engine problem resulted in extreme difficulty in maneuvering the aircraft, but despite this, the pilots were able to land the aircraft, with all five crew on board well and safe," she said.

Castillo said the PAF is undertaking a "thorough investigation of the incident."

"The PAF is committed to ensuring the utmost safety of our air operations while continuously supporting the country's security and development efforts," she added.

Castillo clarified that the troubled Cessna was not the same US-donated asset received by the PAF on 19 September but was among the first two C-208B planes delivered on 27 July 2017.