2 troopers killed, 4 wounded in Basilan, Albay encounters

From the Daily Tribune (Aug 8): 2 troopers killed, 4 wounded in Basilan, Albay encounters

Two soldiers from the 64th Infantry Battalion were killed after a suspected Abu Sayaf Group (ASG) detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) on government troopers conducting routine patrols in Basilan yesterday afternoon.

Ensign Chester Ramos, Joint Task Group Zambasulta (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) spokesperson, said the incident took place at 1 p.m. at the boundaries of Lagayas, Tipo-Tipo, Cabangalan and Unkaya Pukan towns, Basilan.

He said that the soldiers were conducting routine security patrols when suspected ASG members detonated an IED, spraying the patrolling troopers with shrapnel and killing two in the process.

Government troops are still conducting pursuit operation as of this posting.

In Albay, four troopers from the 2nd Infantry Battalion were wounded during an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) bandits which was preceded by an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Barangay Rawis, Pioduran town yesterday morning.

The incident took place at 5:45 a.m., 9th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Mardjorie Painesa said.

She added that the soldiers were conducting routine security operations when they spotted an enemy outpost manned by five rebels.

At this point, the NPAs detonated an IED which wounded four soldiers.

This resulted in a one-minute firefight which ended with the rebels retreating towards the direction of Barangay Mamlad, Jovellar.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting. 

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/2-troopers-killed-4-wounded-in-basilan-albay-encounters