PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur: A Philippine Army corporal was killed, and two other soldiers were wounded after two gunmen attacked them along the highway in Sitio Kasambuhan, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu on Wednesday (Aug 12) morning.
Authorities identified the fatality as Cpl Aldrin Wanson, 34, of the 41st Infantry Battalion, 11th Infantry Division. He sustained a gunshot wound to the back of his head and was declared dead on the spot.
Cpl. Philip Wiga, 31, suffered injuries to his right foot and nape, while Cpl Benjie Jacinto, 33, sustained a gunshot wound on his right thigh. Both were rushed to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for emergency treatment.
Initial police reports said the three soldiers were riding a single motorcycle en route to the 11th Division Training School at around 8.15am.
Upon reaching the highway in Barangay Tagbak, two unidentified suspects aboard another motorcycle tailed and shot them with a.45 calibre pistol, and fled toward an unknown direction.
The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division (11ID) strongly condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly assault against its personnel.
“Security and investigative efforts are ongoing in coordination with the appropriate authorities to identify and locate those responsible and determine the motive behind the attack,” the division said in a statement.
It appealed for public cooperation, urging residents to share information that could help track down the perpetrators.
The 11ID has launched hot pursuit operations and coordinated with nearby Philippine National Police units to secure the suspects’ possible entry and exit points. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
