Improvised Bomb killed Soldier, one hurt

BASILAN  -  An improvised bomb exploded along the circumferential road in Brgy.Cabangalan, Ungkaya, Pukan, Basilan Province Monday morning wounding two soldiers belonging to the 3^rd Scout Ranger Company who were on security patrol in the area. Casualties were given immediate first aid by the unit’s medical team however Cpl. Mark Dandin M. Gomez later died while Pfc John S. Garde was rushed to Camp Navarro, General Hospital in Zamboanga City thru Philippine Air Force Helicopter.

Initial post blast investigation by the elements from Explosive Ordnance Unit at the blast site revealed that the said bomb was cell phone detonated. Troops recovered fragments of mortar round and cell phone parts.

 A joint AFP-PNP investigation is now on-going to determine the perpetrators responsible of the incident.

Meanwhile, Tabak Chief Maj. General Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III was saddened by the death of Cpl Gomez. He further directed ground troops in Basilan to continue its security operations to protect the villagers from harassments and intimidation by the bandits. “Our joint AFP-PNP pursuit operations against lawless groups in Basilan Province shall continue without let-up. MGen. Cruz III said