Two soldiers, two civilians wounded in Iloilo explosion

CEBU, Philippines - Two soldiers and two civilians were injured following a blast from an improvised explosive device along the highway at Barangay Nalundan in Guimbal town, Iloilo.

Corporal Alline Chris Grapa, 29, of Calinog town and Sergeant Ruben Dimzon of Dumangas sustained shrapnel injuries after the military truck they were riding was hit by an IED.

Two civilians, Melvin Depositario and Dexter Herradura, were slightly hurt after shrapnels hit them while they were passing on board a motorcycle, just a few meters ahead of the military vehicle.

Twelve other soldiers from the 82nd Infantry Battalion were physically unharmed.

According to reports, the military truck was on its way to the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town when they were fired upon while navigating the national highway in Nalundan. An explosion from an IED ensued that wounded the four victims.

Following the incident, two persons were arrested in a follow-up operation by government forces at Cabubugan village of Guimbal. They were identified as Jonathan Emolaga and Carl Sernicula, who were allegedly in possession of blasting caps, a switch and a detonator.

Meanwhile, Major Ray Tiongson, spokesman of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the NPA in Panay once again violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law for setting off the IED, used as a landmine in a populated area.  (FREEMAN)