10 Killed in IED explodes in Basilan

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY (July  31, 2018) – At leasr ten were killed including five soldiers in an Improvised Explosive Device exploded in Lamitan City, Basilan at 5:50 - this morning, military official said.

LTC Gerry Besana, WexMinCom spokesperson disclosed that the troops of the 9th Scout Ranger Company led by Lieutenant Rodriguez acted upon a report of the presence of a white van suspected to be bearing an Improvised Explosive Device near the Magwakit Detachment in Barangay Colonia, Lamitan City, Basilan Province.

While troops were conducting ocular inspection, the van suddenly exploded which resulted to the death of one (1) soldier and four (4) CAFGUs, and wounding of 2 other CAFGUs, Besana said.

Besana added that as of 12noon, casualties has increased to 10 killed including a soldier, 5 CAFGUs, and 4 civiliansidentified as: Corporal Samad M. Jumah, the detachment commander; members of the Civilian Active Auxillary namely,MuidManda, AdzlanAbdula, Titing Omar, HermilitoGapo, Jr., and Jerry Inso who died in the hospital; and civilians, HadjiRadiaManda (female), Garry Omar (child), Rosa Inso (female), and RosidaTiting (female).One more CAFGU, 6 soldiers including 1 officer and five enlisted personnel from the 9th Scout Ranger Company, and one civilian were wounded in the incident.

They were 1st Lieutenant Rojean Rodriguez, Corporal Romeo Tabon Jr., Sergeant RenanteEscañan, Sergeant Mike Elumba, Private First Class Jeffrey Martecio, Private First Class Frias, CAA Wilbert Garcia, and Angelina Inso (female), he said.

Civilians killed and wounded were identified as dependents of the CAFGUs.

Further investigation is now being conducted to identify the perpetrator and motive of the incident.

Security has been tightened in Lamitan and other highly populated areas.

Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, committed to exhaust every available resource under his disposal to identify the perpetrators in the soonest possible time so that the people of Basilan will have the peace that they truly deserve.