2 hurt in Basilan roadside bombing

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2021): 2 hurt in Basilan roadside bombing (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

BASILAN BLAST. Two people, a soldier and a civilian, were wounded in a roadside bombing on Monday (April 12, 2021) in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan province. Photo shows the bomb parts and other materials the troops recovered at the roadside and nearby hut. (Photo courtesy of the Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

Two persons, including a soldier, were wounded in a roadside bombing perpetrated by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in the hinterlands of Basilan province, military officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the incident happened around 6:25 a.m. Monday in Sitio Bohe Bekew, Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.

Vinluan said troops from the 12th Division Reconnaissance Company were conducting mobile patrol in Sitio Bohe Bekew when they accidentally tripped an improvised explosive device (IED) fashioned out as a landmine “which resulted in the wounding of one of our valiant soldiers and one civilian.”

Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, said the two were immediately given first aid and rushed to a hospital in Lamitan City for further medical treatment.

“The victims are now in stable condition,” Gobway said.

He said troops have been deployed to track down the ASG bandits behind the roadside bombing.

He said that intelligence monitoring is bolstered to avert the recurrence of such a tragic event.

Vinluan condemned the horrendous act of the ASG bandits as he vowed to exert all efforts to prevent lawless elements from wreaking havoc in peaceful communities and victimizing soldiers and innocent civilians.

“The Abu Sayyaf Group tends to conduct desperate attacks since their weakened manpower and capability can no longer withstand the military’s all-out offensives. They engage in inhumane attacks to gain popularity and to show off their potentials. So, I urge the peace-loving people of Basilan to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious person or object in their vicinity. Do not allow the evil-doers to destroy the peace and tranquility in your respective community,” Vinluan added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136563