6 gov’t soldiers injured in Basilan explosion

MANILA, Philippines—At least six soldiers were injured in an explosion in Basilan Friday morning, according to a text forwarded by military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos.

The soldiers were conducting pursuit operations in Baiwas village, Sumisip town against a group of bandits believed to be in a mountainous region in southern Basilan when the improvised explosive was detonated, the text message said.

The injured soldiers were identified as Corporal Jonathan Candias, Private First Class (PFC) John Mark Cac, PFC Domingo Lungao, PFC Jesus Dacutanan, PFC Gerry Soriano, and PFC Wenefredo Cornelio. They were hit by shrapnel and debris from the explosion.

The soldiers, a platoon of Scout Rangers led by Captain Rodrigo Babaran, were tracking bandits believed to be led by Furuji Indama and Hassan Asnawi. The bandits were eluding government forces around Mount Abong-Abong at the time.

Army Medics treated the soldiers before they were evacuated to a local hospital by a Huey helicopter.

Additional forces were sent by Colonel Ramon Yogyog, commander of the special operations task force, to continue the pursuit of the bandits.