The C-130 military plane was transporting troops from Cagayan de Oro, in Mindanao, to Sulu province when it missed the runway on the island of Jolo, CNN affiliate CNN Philippines reported, citing Armed Forces Chief Cirilito Sobejana.
The plane crashed into nearby Patikul village, the report said. Images from a local TV station appeared to show the burning wreck of the plane and thick smoke billowing from the village.
Sobejana said at least 40 people have been rescued and are being treated at a military hospital in Jolo, CNN Philippines reported. The plane was carrying 92 personnel on board, including three pilots and five crew members. The rest were army personnel reporting for duty, the report said, citing defense minister Delfin Lorenzana.
He reportedly said at least 17 bodies have been recovered during the rescue efforts.
Military and civilian firefighters have been deployed to put out the fire and rescue operations are focused on pulling survivors from the crash site, according to CNN Philippines.
The crash happened at 11:30 a.m. local time on Sunday (11:30 p.m. ET).
This is a developing story.