Wounded soldier dies as chopper makes emergency landing in Lanao del Sur

A soldier who was wounded in an explosion died while being airlifted after the military chopper carrying him and three other military casualties made an emergency landing in Madalum, Lanao del Sur on Thursday afternoon.

Initial information from Army 1st Infantry Division spokesman Captain Clint Antipala said government troops from the 55th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when an improvised explosive device exploded around 9 a.m. at Barangay Lilitun.

Four soldiers were initially wounded in that explosion.

"On their way sila sa objective natin, usually ang kalaban ng tropa natin diyan Dawlah Islamiya Lanao group... wala namang engkuwentro actually," Antipala said in a phone interview.

The casualties were airlifted to undergo medical treatment. However, the pilot of the military chopper decided to make an emergency landing due to bad weather at around 5 p.m.

Antipala said the soldier who died was critically wounded in the blast.

"Critically wounded kasi siya eh during explosion... matindi na 'yung tama sa explosion, nagkaproblema 'yung chopper hindi agad na-evacuate," Antipala said.

"Hindi naman siya nag-crash, kung mag-crash siya baka maubos na 'yung tropa natin doon," he added.

Antipala said he cannot say yet whether the air asset, a Huey helicopter, was destroyed after its emergency landing.

"Di ko pa actually nakita... wala pang report as of this moment, kung totally-wrecked siya o ano, wala ubos 'yung tropa natin," Antipala said.

A crew of the Philippine Air Force was also hurt in the incident.

Major General Gene Ponio, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, expressed his condolences to the grieving family of the soldier.

"We have done everything just to save our wounded soldier the fastest way we can through our air assets, unfortunately the incident happened," Ponio said.

"Rest assured that the benefits of the fallen trooper will be taken care of and the financial or other assistance will be given to his immediate family," he added.

Meanwhile, the other government troops are already in stable condition. — RSJ/KBK, GMA News