6 soldiers hurt in Northern Samar explosion

MANILA, Philippines — Six Army soldiers were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) believed planted by the New People’s Army (NPA) went off in Las Navas, Northern Samar on Sunday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) condemned the attack that occurred in Barangay Quirino.

Maj. Israel Galorio, chief of the Visayas Command (VisCom) information office, said the soldiers were part of a community support program team tasked to secure the implementation of a water system project in the village.

Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, acting VisCom commander, said the NPA’s continuous use of what he described as anti-personnel mines showed the rebels neglect the safety of the community and the people, who might be affected by the explosion.

“Our response to this incident will be swift and resolute. Rest assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Arevalo said.

The village is one of seven barangays in Las Navas that were chosen to receive several development projects of the government.