Soldier slain in Basilan ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — An Army soldier was killed in an ambush staged by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan yesterday.

Sgt. Ronel Agregado died from a gunshot in the abdomen. Cpl. Michael Santo Domingo and Pfc. John Banilla were wounded.

Personnel of the 74th Infantry Battalion were responding to reports that an improvised explosive device (IED) was planted in Sitio Bauno Dagaw, Barangay Badja when they were waylaid. 

Witnesses said the bandits escaped toward Barangays Pipil and Camamburingan in Ungkaya Pukan town.

Meanwhile, an IED exploded in Sitio Lagasan, Barangay Kulaybato, Lamitan, but there was no reported casualty.