Soldier killed in landmine blast

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A soldier was killed while 10 others were wounded when a landmine exploded along a road in Sitio Mainit, Barangay Calapagan, Lupon, Davao Oriental at around midnight yesterday.

The soldiers, who are members of the 28th Infantry Battalion, were riding two military vehicles on their way to the headquarters after helping rebuild houses damaged by typhoon “Pablo,” when the explosion occurred, said Lt. Col. Lydon Paniza, spokesman for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division.

Paniza blamed the New People’s Army for the explosion.

The slain soldier was identified as Pfc Jhasam Diaz.

Six of the wounded soldiers were brought to the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital and four to the Davao Regional Hospital.