ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Twenty-two government soldiers were wounded in a landmine blast in Basilan province Tuesday morning.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos said one of the troops who were on clearing operation accidentally stepped on a landmine, which exploded and wounded the soldiers.
The explosion took place at a hilly portion of Barangay Baywas in Sumisip municipality, he said.
A radio report said five soldiers have sustained severe injuries and are now in critical condition. The injured were airlifted to the nearest hospital for treatment, Burgos said. (Sunnex)