The Philippine Air Force on Thursday deployed a team of parajumpers to the crash site of the missing general aviation Piper Cherokee aircraft that was located on 5 December. 

PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said they have also deployed a 'Sokol' helicopter and Huey aircraft to conduct search-and-rescue operations in the vicinity of Barangay Casala in San Mariano, Isabela province.

Castillo said the 'Sokol' aircraft conducted "hoist operations to insert a team of Air Force parajumpers and members of the Bureau of Fire Protection" in the crash site. 

"Battling the mountainous terrain, tall trees and strong winds, the PAF's skillful pilots were able to successfully insert the rescuers a few hundred meters from the crash site," she added. 

The ill-fated aircraft went missing after departing from Cauayan Airport around 9:39 a.m. on 30  November and was supposed to arrive at Palanan Airport at 10:23 am. of the same day.

"Official news about the status of the Piper Plane's pilot and passenger will be given by the Incident Management Team as soon as ground rescuers have reached the site," said Castillo.