Soldier wounded in Basilan ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / April 12, 2010) – One soldier was wounded after suspected Moro rebels attacked a group of infantrymen on Monday in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, officials said.

Officials said the attack occurred in the town of Ungkaya Pukan. “The soldiers were returning to their command post when the gunmen attacked them,” said Army First Lieutenant Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the town is a known stronghold of Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf militants.

Cacho said a still undetermined number of attackers were believed killed or wounded after troops exchanged gunfire with the ambushers. (Mindanao Examiner)