Basilan explosion kills 2 militiamen, injures 3 others | Inquirer News
LAND MINE BLAST VICTIMS

Basilan explosion kills 2 militiamen, injures 3 others

/ 04:35 AM November 28, 2023

3 killed in Basilan at height of balloting

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines — Two members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (Cafgu) died on the spot when they accidentally tripped on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sitio Bato Piyat, Barangay Limbocandis, Sumisip town of Basilan province at around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27.

Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the Philippine Army’s 101st Brigade in Basilan, said a civilian and two other members of the Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) were also wounded.

Article continues after this advertisement

He said a team of soldiers and auxiliary forces from the 64th Infantry Battalion (IB) was conducting combat operations when one of them accidentally tripped on an explosive planted along their way.

FEATURED STORIES

Luzon added that the 64th IB troops were responding to a report that armed groups were laying improvised explosives in the area.

He said the troops proceeded to the immediate vicinity and conducted thorough scouring until they reached the Sumisip area, where the reported IED exploded.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Basilan provincial police named the two fatalities as Rit Iklaman, 41, married and resident of Barangay Guiong, Sumisip town; and Ligaya Anjanal, 36, married and resident of Barangay Lukkiton, also in Sumisip. The wounded were Cafgu CAA members Musab Balaman, 33, and Bibot Sabtalan, 38; and an unidentified civilian.

Article continues after this advertisement

Assistance

Luzon denounced the atrocity as he offered his condolences to the families of the Cafgus and the CAA.

Article continues after this advertisement

He also assured the families of the slain militia that they would receive assistance and benefits from the Philippine Army, including scholarships for their children.

“The Philippine Army extends death assistance and benefits to the families. The local government unit of Sumisip has also pledged to assist the families, including the wounded, whose hospitalization the local government will shoulder,” Luzon said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Monday’s blast was the first after the twin explosion that rocked two different parts of Isabela City on May 30 last year that injured two people.

The May first explosion, which happened at 5:45 p.m. at the rear part of a food chain outlet in downtown Isabela City was followed by another at 6:15 pm. at the bus station of Biel Transport at Valderosa Street.

—JULIE S. ALIPALA
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Basilan explosion

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.