4 wounded in Pilar bomb explosion

By Mar S. Arguelles

Three civilians and a police officer were wounded when two improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels exploded along the national highway in Barangay Putiao, Pilar town in Sorsogon province, a police report said.

Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said Cpl. Jeffry Enconge Putian including the three civilians wounded were rushed to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching and Hospital (BRTTH) in Legazpi City for medical treatment. The identities of the civilians are yet to be determined.

The IED was intended to ambush the Philippine National Police (PNP) truck loaded with 11 policemen from the 92nd Special Action Force (SAF) Command bound for Camp Simeon Ola headquarters in Legazpi City.

The SAF troopers were able to retaliate and engage the rebels in a brief firefight prompting the rebels to flee.

The two IED explosions caused minor damage to the unit’s Gazelle Truck, which injured three civilians due to shrapnels.