1 killed in Basilan explosion, 3 others hurt in ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A young woman was killed while her niece was seriously injured when a suspected improvised bomb rigged as landmine exploded Friday morning in a remote village of Sumisip, Basilan. 

Three civilians were also wounded in an ambush in the same village barely an hour later, after government militiamen responded. 

Sumisip police commander Police Senior Inspector Alibonga said the blast victims were identified as Mannah Jallama, 25, married, who died on the spot, while her niece Sopia Abduhu was seriously injured from the blast.

Abduhu was rushed to the nearby hospital for treatment from blast injuries.

Investigation disclosed that the two victims were on their way to the pasturing area when they hit an improvised explosive device that exploded about 8:30 a.m. at Sitio Bato Piat in Barangay Limbo Candis. 

Patrolling elements of the Special CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) Active Auxiliary who responded to the area were ambushed by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants an hour later near a constructed bridge in the village.

The Joint Task Group Basilan under the 104th Army Brigade reported that fighting sparked for two minutes before the suspects fled toward an unknown direction. 

No one was reported killed among government militiamen but three civilians nearby were wounded from the attack.

Reinforcing military troops launched pursuit operation against the attackers.