2 soldiers wounded in Jolo blast

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 30, 2009) – Two government soldiers were wounded when a homemade bomb exploded late Sunday in the town of Jolo in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, officials told the Mindanao Examiner.

Officials said the explosive was planted at a road near the Jolo airport outside a Philippine Air Force base.

“An IED exploded in the vicinity of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Tactical Operations Group 9 in Jolo town,” said Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command.

Police chief Muhibuddin Ismail said the explosion wounded two soldiers – Nasir Asid, 38, and Jamil Sadjiron, 48 – both members of the Philippine Army’s Engineering Brigade.

"The wounded soldiers were rushed to hospital," Ismail said by phone from Jolo.

The duo was on a motorcycle passing near the area when the bomb went off. They were hit by shrapnel. There were no reports of damage to properties.

No group claimed responsibility for the blast, but Abu Sayyaf militants are actively operating in the largely Muslim province. The attack occurred just as Muslims were praying in mosques in Jolo town.

Muslims around the world are observing the fasting month of Ramadan which began last week. (Mindanao Examiner)