An improvised explosive device exploded at a temporary checkpoint in Campo Uno, Lamitan City, Basilan around 8:50 a.m. on Aug. 31, according to Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Acting Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio.
He said two army personnel of the 68th Infantry Battalion were wounded in the incident and immediately evacuated to Lamitan City Hospital for medical attention.
Based on the initial investigation, three unidentified suspects onboard a black Honda XRM were seen in the area when the explosion occurred Following the explosion, one suspect managed to shoot his .45 caliber pistol at one of the victims and successfully grabbed the other victim’s service arm, an R4A3 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher attached. The suspects then fled towards the direction of Bgy. Cabobo in the same city.
Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, said the wounded soldiers are still under observation. Troops continue to exhaust all efforts to assist the police in the conduct of investigation and pursuit operations.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts to identify and neutralize the perpetrators and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents,” Ponio added.
At around 12:30 p.m., the wounded soldiers were airlifted to Camp Navarro General where one was declared dead on arrival while the other was brought to Zamboanga City Medical Center for further medical attention. The identities of the casualties are yet to be disclosed pending notification of their next of kin. (WESMIN COMMAND-AFP) – jlo
