Roadside bomb hurts 7 soldiers in Maguindanao

Upi, Maguindanao (Google maps)

COTABATO CITY – Seven government troops were hurt following a roadside bomb explosion shortly before dawn Saturday in Barangay Mirab, North Upi, Maguindanao.

Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police directior, identified those wounded as Maj. Romulo Ducay, Cpls. Ryan Cabual, Arnel Jiun, Oliver Albo, Alvin Sangadan and PFCs Johnny Panday and Gerwin Perez, all of the 5th Marine Battalion stationed in Barangay Mirab.

The victims were subsequently brought to the infirmary inside Camp Siongco, the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division situated in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Tello said military and police probers are still trying to determine the group behind the attack.

“Our investigation is still going on,” he told reporters here.

Accordingly, the village of Mirab is one of those considered as peaceful areas in North Upi, with the villagers maintaining close alliance with military troops for security of their agricultural lands.