7 soldiers hurt in landmine blast

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least seven soldiers were injured when a landmine exploded in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Pantukan, Compostela Valley the other day.

Four of the injured soldiers were brought to the Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command hospital at Camp Panacan here while the others where brought to the Metro Davao Medical Center.  

Those injured were identified as 1Lt. Ari Ben Hernaez, and Pfcs. Harris Winsley Villacento, Roel Velante, Whyll Parocha Tobia, Jovert Torres, Renier Osotio and Albert Edem, all belonging to the Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion.

The soldiers went to Sitio Diat Palo, Barangay Kingking in Pantukan after getting reports that NPA guerrillas were in the village. An encounter ensued, leading to the landmine blast.

Meanwhile, the NPA took another soldier hostage in Davao del Norte for allegedly being involved in illegal logging.

Aris Francisco, spokesman of the NPA Compostela Valley-North Davao-Agusan Sur sub-regional command, said Cpl. Rogelio Rosales of the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion, was seized by guerrillas in Barangay Florida, Kapalong, Davao del Norte last Saturday.

Recently, the NPA freed Sgt. Jeric Bucay after holding him captive for 20 days.