5 soldiers hurt in Bukidnon blast

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – Five Army soldiers were wounded when an improvised explosive device believed planted by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas exploded in Kitaotao, Bukidnon on  Sunday night. 

The troopers, who belong to the  Army’s 4th Infantry Division, were identified as 2nd Lt. Noel Manalang, Sgt. Ruel Lavalle, and Pfcs.  Abdurasan Ibnomusa, Ravi Pamalison and  Marvin Dancel.

The Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command said the explosion occurred as the soldiers were pursuing a band of rebels in Barangay Pagan.

The rebels, who belong to the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 53, were believed to be behind an attempt to kill village chairman Felipe Cabugnason of Barangay White Culaman.

The explosion was followed by a firefight that lasted five minutes.

The wounded soldiers were brought to a hospital for treatment.