9 Cagayan cops survive landmine blast

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines  – Nine policemen narrowly cheated death in a landmine explosion in interior Piat town in Cagayan last Sunday, according to belated reports.

The policemen, who belong to the regional safety battalion, were on security patrol along the provincial road in remote Baung village when the blast occurred just near them, said Senior Superintendent Gregorio Lim, Cagayan police director.

A barrage of gunfire from suspected communist rebels then ensued, forcing the policemen to run for their safety until they were able to fire back. The rebels then withdrew toward the hinterlands.