Bomb blasts disrupt AFP medical mission in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Bomb explosion hit near a school in Patikul, Sulu, where a medical mission was being held yesterday.

No one was reported hurt, but it caused panic among those who attended the activity at the Tanum Elementary School, according to Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman.

Besana said the bandits fired 60mm mortar rounds.       

He said personnel of the 6th Special Forces Battalion led by Lt. Col. Diosdado Pambid conducted the medical mission intended for residents of Barangays Tanum, Sandah, Patikul Higa and Kadday Mampallam.

Besana said the explosions occurred while pursuit operations for a group of bandits that soldiers encountered in Barangay Igasan on Thursday were ongoing. 

“We strongly condemn this terrorist attack, which resulted in the disruption of basic services delivery to the people. They bring nothing but destruction that... retards achievement of peace and development in Sulu,” Lt. Gen Arnel dela Vega, Westmincom chief, said.

A soldier and four Abu Sayyaf bandits have been killed in the clashes since Thursday.