DAVAO CITY – One civilian died while 35 others including two soldiers of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion were injured when an improvised explosive device exploded in front of J and H Marketing along the National Highway in Barangay Kalawag 3, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat at around 8:34 p.m on Tuesday.
According to Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, based on initial report from 33rd IB under Lt Col Harold Cabunoc, the IED was placed by still unidentified suspects near a parked motorcycle.
It was exploded while the KM450 of the 33rd IB was passing by.
Encinas said had it not been for the military truck, many people would have been hit by shrapnel.
He said the military truck absorbed the impact of the IED that saved the lives of more civilians and the army troops.
As of 10 p.m, Encinas said 20 civilians are currently admitted at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital.
The 33rd IB is based in President Quirino town, Sultan Kudarat.
Investigation is still ongoing as of this posting. (PNA)
