2 cops hurt in S. Kudarat blast

SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines – Two police officers were wounded when an improvised explosive device believed to have been planted by rebels went off in Columbio town Monday.

Police Officers 1 Ritchie Cabillo and Angel Vilo were taken by responding barangay officials and soldiers to a hospital for treatment.

The victims were on a motorcycle when the explosion occurred in Barangay Bantugan, said Senior Superintendent Rex dela Rosa, director of the Sultan Kudarat police.

The two officers, both members of the provincial public safety battalion, were on their way to verify reports about the presence of suspected New People’s Army guerillas in the area.