ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A landmine allegedly planted by the Abu Sayyaf group exploded after it was ran over by a military armored tank Thursday afternoon in the hinterland of Sumisip, Basilan.
Capt. Ma. Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), said the V150 commando armored vehicle was on a security and resupply mission when it hit the landmine, an improvised explosive device at about 1:15 p.m. along Pamatsaken-Baiwas Road, the scene of the fierce encounter on Tuesday that left two Abu Sayyaf killed and six others wounded.
She said the explosion damaged the armored vehicle under the 11th Light Armor Cavalry Troops of the 1st Light Armor Brigade.
“No one was reported injured from the troops inside the armored vehicle,” Muyuela said.
Muyuela said troops from the other armored vehicle in convoy were alerted to respond for possible attack.
The military believes the Abu Sayyaf rigged the landmine to slow down the troops from pursuing the militants they encountered in the same area.
Muyuela said during the offensive, the troops recovered an IED that was planted in the old school building also in the area.