DAVAO CITY: At least seven soldiers were injured when a landmine exploded in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Pantukan, Compostela Valley the other day.
Four of the injured soldiers were brought to the Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command hospital at Camp Panacan here while the others were brought to the Metro Davao Medical Center.
Those injured were identified as 1Lt Ari Ben Hernaez, and Pfcs Harris Winsley Villacento, Roel Velante, Whyll Parocha Tobia, Jovert Torres, Renier Osotio and Albert Edem, all belonging to the Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion.
The soldiers went to Sitio Diat Palo, Barangay Kingking in Pantukan after getting reports that NPA guerrillas were in the village. An encounter ensued, leading to the landmine blast.
Articulated bus starts dry run
MANILA: The “articulated bus,” that is 19 meters long and has a seating capacity for 100 passengers, started its dry run yesterday along EDSA highway.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Winston Ginez said the proposed articulated bus system is a feasible project to ease the long lines at the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).
He said they intend to have the system in place before the school opening in June.
“Based on the dry run, I think it’s doable. It can be a good alternative to the MRT and it’s also a way of introducing new buses in our transport system,” Ginez said.
The dry run of the articulated bus was initiated by the Lina Group of Companies.
If approved, the articulated bus will run from MRT North EDSA station in Quezon City to MRT Taft station in Pasay City. It aims to provide commuters taking the train system an alternative mode of transportation. The articulated bus will be exclusively for southbound passengers.
Agencies
