Two individuals were killed while 5 others were injured in the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Barangay Del Carmen in Uson town.
According to Uson Municipal Police, the explosion came from an improvised explosive device or IED, which was allegedly thrown on the dark side of the road, around 9:40 pm on May 1.
With the force of the explosion, the victim’s motorcyclist’s leg was almost amputated.
The 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army confirmed that among the wounded was a CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) who allegedly just passed by the area.
The police and military have blamed members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
They condemned the rebel group’s re-use of the anti-personnel mine.
“To the Masbateños, we are now conducting an extensive follow-up operation together with our counterpart from the PNP. Hindi kami titigil hangga’t hindi napapanagot ang mga teroristang gumawa ng ganitong kalunos-lunos na krimen,” said MGen. Henry Robinson, commanding general of 9ID.
The military has intensified the campaign against terrorism in Uson, Masbate. On Monday, the NPA was declared persona non grata in Barangay Quezon.
2 dead, 5 injured in IED explosion in Masbate
The 903rd Infantry Brigade has reportedly tightened security in Uson along with continuing to remind the community to be alert to possible attacks by the rebels again.
“Sa ganitong mga paraan sila bumabawi para ipakita nilang malakas pa sila ngunit ang totoo natatakot na sila sa epekto ng mga programang inilulunsad ng pamahalaan na nagiging daan para patuloy na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno ang kanilang mga miyembro,” said Col. Aldwine Almase, brigade commander of 903rd Brigade of 9ID, Philippine Army.
Eight days before the explosion in Uson, an IED by alleged NPA members also detonated a DPWH pick-up truck in the nearby town of Milagros, injuring 1 in 4 occupants.
Last week, authorities discovered the rebels’ alleged improvised explosive device (IED) factory in the bushy part of Barangay Patag in Ormoc City.
The fort was discovered with bomb-making tunnels in an operation conducted by the 802nd Brigade, 14th Infantry Battalion, and 93rd IB of the Philippine Army, also based on the revelation of surrendered rebel alias Saag operating in Leyte under Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
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