3 soldiers hurt in Davao Oriental blast

DAVAO CITY – Three soldiers were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) believed planted by communist rebels hit an army truck in Baganga town, Davao Oriental shortly before midnight on Wednesday, police on Thursday said.

The KM450 troop carrier loaded with soldiers from the army’s 104th Division Reconnaissance Company was traveling along a road at Sitio (Sub-village) Jubason, Kinablangan village when an IED went off around 11:25 p.m., according to Senior Supt. Harry Espela, Davao Oriental police chief.

Quoting a military report, Espela said the blast hit and damaged the right portion of the rear tire.

The victims, who were only identified as Privates First Class Potong, Cabag and Perez suffered shrapnel wounds in the nape, cheek and thigh, respectively, but are now in stable condition, Espela said.

The military has launched a pursuit operation against the alleged NPA bombers, the police official added.