Soldier hurt in landmine blast in Compostela Valley

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Philippines – A soldier was wounded in a landmine explosion in Pantukan, Compostela Valley, on Sunday, authorities said.

Col. Harold Cabreros, the Eastern Mindanao Command deputy chief, said the explosion happened in Napnapan village around 5 a.m. Sunday.

Troops from the Philippine Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion were on patrol when an improvised explosive device (IED) believed planted by New People’s Army guerrillas went off, wounding one soldier.

Cabreros said the wounded trooper was airlifted to the regional military hospital in Davao City for treatment.

Soldiers have started pursuing the rebels, he said. SFM

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