Soldier dead, another hurt in Basilan blast

One soldier was killed, while another was wounded in an explosion at a temporary checkpoint in Campo Uno, Lamitan City in Basilan on Tuesday morning.

In a statement, Western Mindanao Command acting commander Major General Generoso Ponio said based on initial investigation, three unidentified suspects onboard a black Honda XRM were seen in the area where an improvised explosive device exploded.

Following the explosion, Ponio said one suspect shot one of the victims and grabbed the other victim's service firearm. The suspects then fled towards the direction of Barangay Cabobo.

Ponio said the two army personnel of the 68th Infantry Battalion were immediately evacuated to Lamitan City Hospital for medical attention.

At 12:30 p.m., the wounded soldiers were airlifted to Camp Navarro General where one of them was declared dead on arrival. The other soldier was brought to Zamboanga City Medical Center for further medical attention.

Ponio said the identity of the casualty has yet to be disclosed.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts to identify and neutralize the perpetrators and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents,” he said. --- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News