By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA, Aug. 7 (PNA) — Two soldiers from the 64th Infantry Battalion were killed after a suspected Abu Sayaf Group (ASG) detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) on government troopers conducting routine patrols in Basilan Friday afternoon.
Ensign Chester Ramos, Joint Task Group ZAMBASULTA (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) spokesperson, said the incident took place at 1 p.m. at the boundaries of Lagayas, Tipo-Tipo, Cabangalan and Unkaya Pukan towns, Basilan.
He said that the soldiers were conducting routine security patrols when suspected ASG members detonated an IED, spraying the patrolling troopers with shrapnel and killing two in the process.
Government troops are still conducting pursuit operation as of this posting. (PNA)