Basilan landmine explosion injures four soldiers
March 5, 2010 12:58 pm
ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 5 — Four soldiers who are continuously pursuing the Abu Sayyaf bandits were wounded in a bomb explosion in the hinterlands of the island province of Basilan, a military official disclosed Friday.
1Lt. Steffani Cacho, Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) information officer, said the incident took place Thursday in Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip town.
Cacho said the troops were conducting a clearing operations in an area frequented by the Abu Sayyaf bandits when they accidentally tripped on a bomb fashioned out as a landmine.
“This (use of landmine) is a continuous proof of the treacherous character of the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) and their lack of respect for human righs,” she said.
No identities of the wounded troops were immediately available who are from the Army's 32nd Infantry Battalion based in Basilan province.
They were brought to a military hospital in this southern port city.
Cacho said the troops' focus is now in the hinterlands of Sumisip town where the Abu Sayyaf bandits were found to be hiding.
Cacho meanwhile said that a firefight broke out last Tuesday between the 4th Scout Ranger Company troops and Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Pamatsaken, also in Sumisip town.
She said the troops were disposing off improvised bombs fashioned out as landmines when they clashed with the Abu Sayyaf bandits who were believed responsible in planting the bombs. (PNA)
FFC/TPG/mec
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