5 soldiers injured by land mine in Davao del Sur

DIGOS CITY, Philippines – At least five soldiers were injured when a truck in a military convoy struck a land mine in Malita, Davao del Sur, an Army spokesman said Saturday.

Lieutenant Raul Villegas, civil affairs officer of the 39th Infantry Battalion, said the soldiers, led by 39th IB commander Colonel Oliver Artuz, were on their way to provide support to operating troops when one of the vehicles hit the land mine in Barangay (village)Ticulon around 1:30 p.m.

Villegas did not provide the names of the injured soldiers but added that Artuz was not injured.

“Those who were injured were brought to Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City for immediate treatment,” he said.

The combat operation in Malita started early this week following a clash with New People’s Army rebels that resulted in the wounding of a soldier.