(Eagle News) — A roadside explosion in Antipolo City that police said was meant for passing army vehicles, hurt two civilians — a passenger and the driver of a tricycle that was near the area.
Initial police reports suspected that the improvised explosive device (IED) that exploded was planted by communist rebels along the roadside of Sitio Calumpang, Bgy. San Jose, Antipolo City.
Police suspected that it was meant for two marked vehicles of the 80th infantry battalion of the Philippine Army that were passing the area at the time.
The army vehicles had just overtaken the tricycle when the explosion occurred.
The explosion damaged the tricycle and injured its driver Jaime Cabanero, resident of sitio Paenaan, Brgy San Jose Antipolo City, 38 years old; and passenger Ellaiza Acula, 23 years old, single, and a resident of sitio Paenaan Brgy San Jose. Both were in stable condition and sustained only minor injuries.
Police said the IED was placed on the grassy road side and was detonated upon the arrival of the Philippine Army vehicles.
(With a report from Tantan Alcantara, Eagle News Service correspondent)