2 troopers hurt in Basilan blast—military

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—At least two Scout Rangers were injured in a blast in Sumisip, Basilan on Monday morning, the military said.

Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said the Scout Rangers were on foot patrol in the village of Baiwas when “hit by an improvised explosive device.”

Cabangbang said the troops belonged to 4th Special Forces Battalion.

An earlier military report said the soldiers were conducting clearing operations on Abong-abong Peak in Sumisip town shortly before 8 a.m. Monday when the incident occurred.

Cabangbang said the command immediately dispatched two helicopters to evacuate the wounded soldiers.

Military officials could still not say who were behind the blast.