Army ranger killed, another hurt in Basilan bombing

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - One of the two army scout rangers, who were critically injured in the roadside bombing attack by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the remote area of Basilan province, died on Monday, a military official said.

This developed as the military revealed the militants utilized a cellphone to detonate improvised explosive device (IED) in the attack against the troopers.

Capt. Alberto Caber, Spokesman of 1st Army Tabak Division, said Corporal Mark Dandin Gomez died due severe injuries from the bomb explosion while Private First Class John Garde has been undergoing treatment in a military hospital here.

The soldiers were among a platoon of army scout rangers on combat patrol when an IED was remotely detonated along the road in Barangay Cangalan, Ungkaya Pukan town about 7:50 a.m. Monday.

“Post blast investigation by elements from the explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) unit at the blast site revealed that the said bomb was cellphone detonated,” Caber said.

He said the EOD personnel recovered from the explosion site debris of mortar round and cellphone parts.

The military official could not immediately ascertain any perpetrators of the attack but the bomb signature appeared to be like those bombs detonated by the Abu Sayyaf militants.

Following the bombing, troops in Basilan have been directed to conduct “no-let up” operations against the militant groups.

Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, 1st Army Division chief, said the operations will be relentless against the Abu Sayyaf group, tagged to be responsible in the deadly bombing attacks.

Cruz also extended his condolences to the family of the slain soldier and directed the needed assistance for the fallen and wounded soldiers.