The number of casualties in the suspected suicide attack at a soldier’s camp in Indanan, Sulu has risen to eight as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday condemned “in the strongest terms” the brazen attack.
General Benjamin Madrigal, AFP Chief-of-Staff, went to the blast site at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) in Sitio Tanjung, Barangay Kajatian on Saturday morning to conduct an ocular inspection and assess the situation of the troops.
“We condemn the latest bombing in (Sulu) that victimized not only our soldiers but also civilians who were in the vicinity of the blast,” Madrigal said. “Targeting soldiers and civilians whose only intention is to provide security and maintain peace in the communities is a cowardly act and deserves condemnation in the strongest terms possible,” he added.
Major General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said three soldiers, three civilians and two suspected suicide bombers were killed in the attack which happened Friday noon. At least 12 military personnel were also wounded and treated at a provincial hospital, he added.
The military identified the slain soldiers as Corporal Richard Macabadbad, and Privates First Class Dominique Inte and Recarte Alban Jr.
Meanwhile, the identities of the slain civilians and the two suspected “foreign-looking” suicide bombers have yet to be determined.
According to investigation by the military, the soldiers were conducting security check at the gate of the command post when the two suspects arrived.
“Dalawang explosion ‘yan. Ang isa nag-attempt na pumasok and then ang SOP (standard operating procedure) papasok doon sa kampo, may gate at may duty personnel na magcheck,” said Major Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).
The attack happened during the turnover of command ceremony for Sobejana as he took over the WestMinCom following the retirement of Lieutenant General Arnel dela Vega.
Encinas said the first bomber was caught by the soldiers but he managed to detonate a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) placed inside a bag he was carrying.
As chaos ensued, the second bomber sneaked past the gate of the camp and detonated the second bomb. Encinas said the second explosion happened “less than a minute” after the first blast.
He added that the Islamic State (ISIS)-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is being eyed as the culprit behind the grim attack.
The entire WestMinCom was placed in heightened alert status following the attack.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army pledged aid to the bereaved families of the slain soldiers.
Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, Army spokesperson, said the families will receive benefits including the Command Special Financial Assistance, and burial assistance worth P80,000 from the Philippine Army.
Moreover, the slain soldiers’ families will also receive the Special Financial Assistance worth P500,000 from the Office of the President’s Social Civic Projects; educational assistance to two dependents each; and shelter assistance from the National Housing Authority.
“We commiserate with the families of our personnel who gave up their lives in the service of the people of Sulu. Their courageous act beyond the call of duty prevented further possible casualties and destruction of government property,” Zagala said. (Martin Sadongdong)