Landmine explosion injures 2 soldiers in Zamboanga del Norte

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr 

May 19, 2018, 2:12 pm

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1035778

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Two soldiers were wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels bombed a bridge in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, a top police official disclosed Saturday.

Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga) Director, Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, said the incident occurred in Barangay Palalian, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte at about 10 a.m. Friday.

Beltran did not release the identities of the two wounded soldiers but said they belonged to the Charlie Company of the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion.

He said investigation showed that the suspected NPA rebels detonated a landmine when they saw six soldiers approaching the bridge.

The soldiers had disembarked from a KM450 truck and were about to inspect the bridge after they saw three rebels “laying landmine at the structure,” Beltran said, adding that a brief firefight ensued when other suspected NPA rebels positioned on a high ground opened fire at the soldiers.

The suspected rebels fled towards Barangay New Salvacion, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte.

The troops later recovered more or less 100 meters of wire, three nine-volt batteries, and shrapnel.

Government troops are now tracking down the suspected NPA rebels who fled to the hinterlands. (PNA)