Young mother dies in landmine blast aftermath

THE landmine blast that wounded several soldiers and civilians along the Tagum city-Mawab Highway Tuesday last week took a toll on the life of a young mother who passed away because of trauma.

A report received by the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion said Ellen Sucnaan, 20, was on vacation at her mother’s house in Purok 6, Barangay Tuburan, Mawab, Compostela Valley, in May 20 after giving birth.

In the morning of May 21, an improvised landmine exploded 20 meters away from her mother’s house where she and her baby stayed.

Relatives said out of fear Ellen ran away and fell on a cliff.

Ellen and her child were rushed to the nearest hospital which referred them to the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

On May 25, 2013, she passed away while undergoing medical treatment leaving behind her baby boy.

Several soldiers and innocent civilians were wounded in the series of land mine explosions.

First Lt. Vilma Mojado of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion identified the wounded soldiers as Privates First Class Lovie Joy Semillano, Joseph Mendio, Erwin Cordero, Bai Johanna Dorado and Ryan Torena and Gina Gubantes, a civilian dependent.

Mojado said the soldiers headed by 1st Lieutenant Grace Joy Arado were tasked to do procurement in Tagum City when the incident happened.

One and a half hours later, another improvised landmine exploded at Barangay Tagmanok, Mawab, Compostela Valley stalling the movement of the soldiers who were tasked to conduct clearing patrol on the national highway. The soldiers were spared in the explosion. Incidentally, two riders of a motorcycle were wounded slightly while one taxi was damaged since they were at the rear of the military vehicle during the explosion.

The incident prompted the leadership of the 10th Infantry Division to order a pursuit operation against the perpetrators. (PIA 11/Joey Sem Dalumpines)