Farmer accidentally killed by IED explosion

MANILA, Philippines—One farmer was killed in Zamboanga del Norte following an explosion of an improvised explosive device Sunday morning, the military said.

Initial reports said the victim was on his way to his farmland in Balas village, Labason town at around 5 a.m. when he accidentally stepped on the IED that caused his death, said Captain Alberto Caber of the Army’s First Infantry Division.

The victim was 48-year-old William Barbona of sitio Mahayahay of the same village.

The suspect behind the incident was led by a certain Omar Arasid alias Sapi of an extortionist group. The victim was said to have failed to give money to the group, Caber said.