8 troopers hurt in Basilan blast
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Eight government troopers were wounded when suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan yesterday.
The explosion was followed by a firefight at the boundary of Barangay Sungkayot and Barangay Tipo-Tipo, said Lt. Col. Jose Paolo Perez, commander of the 18th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Perez said among the wounded were five Army soldiers and three members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit.
He said the troops were securing a road project when they were attacked.
The troopers were in their vehicle when the bandits, under Puruji Indama, detonated the IED.
The soldiers retaliated, forcing the bandits to retreat.
Two military helicopters airlifted the wounded troopers to a military hospital in this city for treatment.
A pursuit operation had been launched against the Abu Sayyaf.
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