BASILAN - An improvised bomb exploded along the
circumferential road in Brgy.Cabangalan, Ungkaya, Pukan, Basilan Province
Monday morning wounding two soldiers belonging to the 3rd 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.
