Soldier, civilian hurt in Basilan roadside blast

A soldier and a civilian were wounded after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, on Monday, according to the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).

Wesmincom commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr. said troops from the 12th Division Reconnaissance Company were conducting mobile patrol at Sitio Bohe Bekew in Barangay Baguindan when the incident happened.

“Around 6:25 in the morning, today, a roadside IED exploded which resulted in the wounding of one of our valiant soldiers and one civilian,” Vinluan said in a statement on Monday.

According to Wesmincom, the two were immediately given first aid and brought to a hospital in Lamitan City for further medical treatment.

Joint Task Force Basilan commander Brigadier General Domingo Gobway said the victims are now in stable condition.

Gobway said they are exerting "all efforts" to identity the perpetrators.

Vinluan associated the explosion to the Abu Sayyaf, saying the group usually engages in "desperate" attacks to gain popularity and to show off their potential.

“The Abu Sayyaf Group tends to conduct desperate attacks since their weakened manpower and capability can no longer withstand the military’s all-out offensives,” he said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News