COTABATO CITY - Two soldiers were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at 8:34 a.m. on New Year's Day, January 1, in Maguindanao province.
The victims were identified as private first class (PFC) Nelmar Acaso and John Mark Roquero.
Maguindanao Police Provincial Office director SSupt. Agustin Tello revealed that the soldiers belonging to 57th Infantry Battalion were onboard the KM450 Military truck in Barangay Limpongo, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan when the IED at the roadside exploded.
The impact destroyed the military truck and wounded the soldiers after being hit by shrapnel.
The victims were immediately brought to Maguindanao Provincial Hospital.
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) group led by Kumander Bungos was believed to be the suspect in planting the IED.
It can be recalled that two police officers were killed while four others were wounded when an IED exploded in the same area last Dec. 31 at 8:15 p.m.
Authorities are conducting investigation on the consecutive bombing incidents in the province.