7 soldiers hurt in Bukidnon landmine attack
BUTUAN CITY , Philippines — Seven soldiers were wounded when a landmine exploded in Sitio Nasandigan, Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon yesterday.
A convoy of military vehicles escorting local volunteers and foreign observers from Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia were passing when the rebels detonated the landmine.
The foreigners, among them women, were on their way to Sitio Mantapod, Barangay Hagpa to observe the activities of indigenous people’s community volunteers belonging to the Higaonon Amamag Malandang Olandok, a non-government organization, which promotes cultural preservation in the area.
Three NPA guerrillas were wounded in a gunfight with pursuing soldiers.
“We thought a tire exploded, then we heard bursts of fire... then somebody shouted duck,” Col. Edgardo de Leon, 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, quoting a woman foreign observer said.
No foreigner was wounded in the explosion.
De Leon said two more landmines were recovered at the scene.
The foreigners were escorted to Laguindingan Airport following the incident.
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