Soldier killed, 2 others hurt in Basilan attack – Army

MANILA, Philippines – An Army soldier was killed while two others were injured in an attack launched by lawless elements in Basilan Monday afternoon, the military said.

The soldiers, whose identities were still withheld, were members of the Army’s 55th Engineering Brigade, said Army spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc. The troops were on their way to Ungkaya Pukan from Tipo-Tipo when they attacked at about 3 p.m.

The wounded soldiers were promptly evacuated to Magcawa village in Al Barka town while waiting for air medical evacuation transport.

The soldiers were deployed in Ungkaya Pukan to help in the construction of school buildings and the implementation of the Basilan circumferential road project, Cabunoc said.

Colonel Carlito Galvez, Jr, Commanding Officer of the 104th Brigade, has ordered the troops of the Army’s 4th Scout Ranger Battalion to pursue the perpetrators.

More details will be given after the investigation, Cabunoc said.