Scout Ranger dead in Basilan blast

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An Army Scout Ranger was killed in a roadside bombing attack by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in Basilan last Monday, the military said. 

The militants utilized a cell phone to detonate the improvised explosive in Barangay Cangalan, Ungkaya Pukan town, the military said.

Capt. Alberto Caber, spokesman of the Army’s 1st Tabak Division, said Cpl. Mark Dandin Gomez died in the blast while Pfc. John Garde was injured.

Following the explosion, government troops in Basilan have been directed to conduct “no let-up” operations against the Abu Sayyaf.