Sulu accidental blast hurts 8 soldiers

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Government troops puprsuing Abu Sayyaf bandits accidentally stepped on a cable that triggered an improvised bomb to explode hurting eight soldiers, the military's Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) today said.In a statement, Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, Wetmincom public affairs chief and spokesperson, said the blast occurred in Barangay Bangkal, Patukul, Sulu where the soldiers were conducting pursuit operations against ASG following Saturday's clashes.The soldiers are now confined at Gen. Teodulfo Bautista Hospital in Busbus, Jolo town. Quoting a report fromBrigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the soldiers clashed with the group of ASG sub leaderAlmujer Yaddah Saturday, leaving undetermined number of BIFF dead.The following morning, clearing operation was conducted and the blast occurred.Soldiers recovered firearms and other war materials at the site left by fleeing ASG when they accidentally stepped on the cable serving as triggering device of the IED.