2 soldiers dead in South Cotabato landmine attack

MANILA, Philippines - Two soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded when a landmine planted by suspected New People’s Army rebels exploded in Tampakan, South Cotabato Sunday afternoon.

The troops were in an Army truck when their vehicle hit the landmine at past 1 p.m., said Capt. Rey Balibagoso, the Army’s 1002nd Brigade public affairs officer.

 “The troops were clearing the main route from Tampakan to Barangay Danlag for their colleagues to bring down the body of a militiaman killed by the rebels who attacked their detachment last Saturday,” Balibagoso said.

He refused to identify the fatalities pending notification of their families.

Balibagoso said the nine wounded soldiers – two in critical condition – are confined in various hospitals in South Cotabato.