Eight soldiers hurt in Basilan bomb blast

ZAMBOANGA CITY - An improvised bomb planted by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits injured eight Army soldiers in Sumisip, Basilan province on Tuesday night, a military official said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) based in this city, said the victims were soldiers from the 12th Scout Ranger Company (SRC) and 11th Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC).

Cabangbang said the soldiers were on their way to Barangay Mangal for a security mission when one of their military trucks hit the improvised device, which was laid as a landmine. The incident took place at around 8:27 p.m., he said.

“At least eight of the soldiers were unfortunately wounded in action,” Cabangbang said.

The explosion partially damaged the military vehicle, he said.

Military explosive ordnance and disposal (EOD) personnel were deployed to the blast site to determine the type of bomb that hit the soldiers. 

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Roel Pareno | SunStar.Com.Ph | July 11, 2012 | Article Link

Soldier in Basilan clash dies

MANILA, Philippines – A soldier died after succumbing to shrapnel wounds following an encounter between an elite Army unit and suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Basilan Thursday, March 15, the military's Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said.

Westmincom spokesman Lt Col Randy Cabangbang said the soldier was “critically wounded” and was being transported to a hospital in Zamboanga City early Thursday evening when he died. The military has not identified him.

"He died due to shrapnel wounds," Cabangbang said.

Three other soldiers were slightly wounded, according to Cabangbang.

“Elements of the 12^th Scout Ranger Company were pursing a faction of the ASG led by Khair Mundos in Sumisip town when they chanced upon a group of armed men around 11 am Thursday,” according to Cabangbang.

Troops from the 10^th Scout Ranger Company, who were sent to the site to reinforce the team, were also attacked in Sitio Bohe Piyat, Barangay Baiwas, around 5 pm Thursday, resulting in 4 casualties.

Supported by attack helicopters and artillery, government forces launched the offensive operations based on information that Barangay Baiwas is the lair of Mundos and another notorious ASG leader, Furuji Indama, who are wanted for murder and kidnapping. The ASG is also using the place to make explosives, a military report said.

The US government's Reward for Justice offers up to $500,000 bounty for information that will lead to the arrest of Mundos, described as a “key leader and financier” of the ASG.

Following his arrest in 2004, he confessed “to having arranged the transfer of funds from Al-Qa'ida to ASG leader Khadaffy Janjalani” to be used in bombing and other terrorist acts throughout Mindanao. He bolted a Cotabato jail in 2007.

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David Y. Santos | Rappler.com | March 17, 2012 | Article Link

Soldier killed, 3 others hurt in clash with Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines – A government soldier died, while 3 others were injured after the military encountered members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in Basilan on Thursday, an official said.

Colonel Ricardo Visaya, 104th Infantry Brigade commander, said he sent his troops to Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip town to check on a report of the presence of at least 40 ASG members.

Visaya said the terrorists were allegedly conducting a training on bomb-making under leaders Furuji Indama and Khair Mundus.

At around 11:00 a.m., soldiers from the 12th Scout Ranger Command encountered the terrorists, resulting in a firefight that lasted for about 2 hours.

The terrorists fled the scene, leaving at least 30 improvised explosive devices planted in forest village.

A second firefight occurred at around 5 p.m. as the 10th Scout Ranger Company was pursuing the terrorists. The exchange of fire lasted for about 45 minutes.

A soldier was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Zamboanga City. His identity was withheld as his family has yet to be informed about the incident.

Three other soldiers were injured. They were identified as Private First Class (PFC) Daniel Resultan, PFC Cresencio Sagaysay and Private Symons Mark Subito.

Government troops continue to pursue the terrorists responsible for the latest incident of fighting in the conflict-torn province.

The Abu Sayaff leaders, Indama and Mundus, are wanted for crimes such as kidnapping and murder.

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ABS-CBNnews.com  | March 16, 2012 | Article Link