2 injured in Sultan Kudarat landmine blast

COTABATO, Philippines (Xinhua) - Two policemen were injured in a landmine blast in south Philippine province of Sultan Kudarat on Monday, local authorities said today.

The suspected New People's Army (NPA) detonated the landmine planted on a bridge in Bantangan village at around 11:26 a.m. local time, injuring two policemen passing by, said Joefel Siason, chief police of Isulan town.

Siason added the two injured policemen were part of a team deployed to look into harassment perpetrated by NPA in the area.

The injured were sent to the hospital for treatment and are still in critical condition, he said.

Local authorities have launched pursuit operation against the suspects.