ZAMBOANGA CITY – A manhunt is in full swing in Basilan province after two Army soldiers were killed and another wounded in an ambush Friday afternoon in Tuburan town.
Sgt. Reymark Bation and Corporal Jordan Daquipel of the 18th Infantry Battalion (IB) were gunned down while riding a motorcycle in in Barangay Duga-a around 4:20 p.m., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson Col. J-Jay Javines said.
Corporal Richivie Flores sustained injuries and is receiving treatment at Lamitan District Hospital in Lamitan City.
Javines reported that the soldiers came from their patrol base in Barangay Duga-a and were headed to the 18th IB Charlie Company command post when they were attacked.
The perpetrators fled north.
Authorities recovered empty shells from an M-16 rifle in the ambush site.
Javines said that all checkpoints are on alert and intelligence efforts have been intensified.
The ambush occurred just over an hour after a gun attack in Sitio Bohe Libi, Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka, Basilan, where two lumberjacks were killed while on their way home.
The 18th IB condemned the ambush.
Lt. Col. Mark Lagud, 18th IB commander, condoled and pledged full support to the families of the fallen soldiers. Lagud wished the wounded soldier a swift and complete recovery.