4 soldiers wounded in Basilan blast

Officials said the explosion occurred Thursday in the village of Baiwas in Maluso town, an area frequented by militants.

“Elements of the 32nd Infantry Battalion who were conducting clearing operations at a suspected Abu Sayyaf-frequented area in the village of Baiwas in Maluso accidentally set off planted improvised explosive devices,” said Army First Lieutenant Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman.

She said one soldier was also injured in clashes with the Abu Sayyaf on Tuesday in Sumisip’s Pamatsaken village and four more wounded in a land mine explosion in Baiwas village in Maluso town.

“This is continuous proof of the treacherous character of the Abu Sayyaf group and their lack of respect for human rights,” Cacho said.

Last week, more than a dozen people were killed after Abu Sayyaf and Moro rebels attacked a small village in Maluso town. Ten villagers were also injured in the raid.

Authorities linked the Abu Sayyaf to the spate of attacks on civilian and military targets and kidnappings for ransom in the southern Philippines. Basilan is a known stronghold of the militant group. (Mindanao Examiner)