2 dead in landmine blast in Borongan

LEYTE, Philippines (UPDATED) – A member of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office and a woman were killed after a landmine exploded on a highway in Barangay Libuton, Borongan, Eastern Samar around 1 pm Friday, December 13.

Thirteen people were wounded in the incident – 4 cops and 9 civilians, including a 3-year-old boy.

According to Army Major Joseph Sabas of the 801st Brigade, the policemen were traveling to the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office in Borongan when a landmine allegedly planted by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) exploded.

“Nakasakay sa tricycle ang mga civilian na napasama sa insidente nung sumabog ang landmine (The civilians who passed away in the incident were riding a tricycle when the landmine exploded),” Sabas told Rappler.

“Kagagaling lang sa isang Christmas party ang mga sibilyan. Kinokondena namin ang ginawa na naman ng mga NPA (The civilians just came from a Christmas party. We condemn what members of the NPA did again),” Sabas said.

Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone condemned the incident. He said in a Facebook post on Friday that some of the victims were in an ambulance with a patient being transported to the Eastern Visayas Regional Hospital.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also condemed the attack.

Last November, 6 soldiers died while 20 were wounded after a landmine exploded also in Borongan City. – Rappler.com