3 soldiers, cop wounded in Sulu bombing

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Three soldiers and a police officer were wounded when suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits detonated a bomb in Patikul, Sulu on Monday.   

Police officers were escorting Special Action Force commandos and an explosives ordnance team of the Army were responding to reports that militants planted bombs in Barangay Igasan when an explosion occurred at around 10:15 a.m.

The wounded troopers were taken to a military hospital at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo for treatment. 

Prior to the explosion, Abu Sayyaf bandits ambushed a convoy of police officers providing security to teachers. Two police officers were wounded.

Public school teachers have adopted a carpool system amid threats of kidnapping and attacks by Abu Sayyaf bandits.

It was the third bomb attack in Patikul in a week.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the Joint Task Force Sulu intensified its security operation following the attacks.

In Maguindanao, soldiers foiled a bomb attack in Datu Anggal Midtimbang on Monday night.

Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said bomb experts were conducting clearing operations in Barangay Poblacion following an explosion at around 7:25 p.m.  when they found another improvised explosive device near the scene.

“The prompt response of our ground forces led to the successful disruption of the improvised explosive,” Sobejana said.