Maguindanao blast hurts militiaman

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The Army said it has stepped up measures to avoid injury from anti-personnel mines (APM) planted by lawless elements in areas where government forces conduct foot patrol.

This after a militiaman was injured on Tuesday when an APM exploded near an area where militiamen and soldiers were conducting foot patrol in Sitio Pansol, Barangay Macasampen, Guindulungan, Maguindanao.

In a statement Wednesday, Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, condemned the attempt by lawless elements to inflict injuries on government forces.

Sobejana did not name the militiaman who belonged to the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), Delta Company, 38th Infantry Battalion.

The wounded CAFGU member was immediately brought to Camp Siongco Station Hospital and is now in stable condition.

Sobejana said the APM was placed near an old nipa hut just 50 meters away from the national highway.

Troopers from the 90th Infantry Battalion and Guindulungan police immediately responded and conducted procedures to clear the site.

“The explosion was meant to inflict harm to our troops just in time they were passing to conduct their regular security in the area,” Sobejana said.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but Guindulungan is among the areas in Maguindanao where the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operate. (PNA)