By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.
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 Cpl. Jordan Daquipel of the 18th Infantry Battalion (18IB) were gunned down while riding a motorcycle in in Barangay Duga-a around 4:20 p.m., according to Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson Col. J-Jay Javines.
Cpl. Richivie Flores sustained injuries and is receiving treatment at Lamitan District Hospital.
Javines reported that the soldiers came from their patrol base in Duga-a and were headed to the 18IB Charlie Company command post when they were attacked.
The perpetrators fled north.
Authorities recovered empty shells from an M-16 rifle at the ambush site.
Javines stated that all checkpoints are on alert and intelligence efforts have been intensified.
The ambush occurred just over an hour after a separate gun attack in Sitio Bohe Libi, Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka, Basilan, where two lumberjacks were killed while on their way home. (PNA)
