4 soldiers injured in Isabela landmine blast

MANILA, Philippines–Four soldiers were injured in a landmine blast followed by an encounter with communist rebels early Friday in Isabela, the military said.

Colonel Loreto Magundayao, spokesman of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the soldiers were conducting security patrol in Ibujan village, San Mariano town when the incident took place which was followed by an encounter at about 1 a.m.

The wounded soldiers were immediately evacuated to a nearest hospital for immediate medical treatment. The troops recovered one civilian pack, one magazine long for M16 rifle and used landmine detonating cords.

The soldiers responded to information by villagers on extortion activities, Magundayao said.

Pursuit operations are ongoing, he added.