Soldier hurt in bomb blast

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – A soldier was wounded when an improvised bomb went off along the road in Datu Unsay town yesterday.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, spokesperson for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the unidentified soldier was brought to a hospital and declared out of danger.

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were believed to be behind the explosion to prevent soldiers from going to a village, where the bandits extort money from residents.

”There are continuing patrols in the area to maintain tranquility there, particularly this time when peace is needed to ensure an undisrupted observance of the Ramadan,” said Petinglay.