1 soldier killed, 5 hurt in explosion in Catubig, N.Samar —military

A member of the Philippine Army was killed while five others were injured after anti-personnel mines exploded in Catubig, Northern Samar on Tuesday, the military said.

In a statement, 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB) acting spokesperson Second Lieutenant Joyce Ann Bayron said the battalion's Community Support Program (CSP) teams were conducting a combat patrol in Barangay Osang at 9:25 a.m. when the mines exploded.

The casualties were brought to Visayas Regional Medical Center.

Barangay Osang is among the recipients of the government's P20-million Support to Barangay Development Program for 2021.

The military accused the New People's Army of being behind the explosion, saying they also used anti-personnel landmines against CSP teams in the town of Las Navas in the province on April 3, killing two cops and four Army and PNP personnel.

An explosion allegedly perpetrated by the rebels also injured seven Army personnel in the town of Mapanas on July 5, according to the military. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News