5 killed, 9 wounded in Sulu blast

Contributed photo by Chao Tiao Yumol

MANILA, Philippines — Five people, including three soldiers, were killed while nine others were wounded in an explosion in the vicinity of a military camp in Indanan, Sulu, the military said Friday.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said three soldiers and two civilians were killed from the blast that occurred at a checkpoint set up by the 1st Brigade Combat Team in its command post in Brgy. Kajatian on Friday afternoon.

Nine soldiers were also wounded.

“This attack is meant to disrupt the intensified security operations and our operational tempo following series of recent operational gains,” he said in a statement.

“We condemn this atrocity which cost the lives of our soldiers whose foremost job is to promote peace in the island,” he added.

Lt. Col. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said the troops are currently conducting clearing operations and an investigation is underway. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)