MANILA, Philippines — Three mortar rounds exploded near the venue of a medical mission secured by military troops in Patikul, Sulu on Saturday morning, the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) reported. Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, a Westmincom spokesperson, said around 11:30 a.m. three 60-mm mortar rounds exploded near a medical mission center conducted by the 6th Special Forces Battalion together with representatives of various government agencies and non-government organizations of Sulu. ADVERTISEMENTThe activities were being conducted at the Tanum Elementary School in Barangay Tanum, Patikul, Sulu, intended to deliver basic services to around 2,000 “resident beneficiaries” coming from Barangay Tanum, Sandah, Patikul Higad and Kadday Mampallam of Patikul, Sulu. Military troops suspected that the mortar rounds have been fired 500 meters away by Abu Sayyaf Group members located east of the medical mission site. “We strongly condemn this terroristic act resulting in the disruption of basic services delivery to the people,” De la Vega said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 16, 2019 07:29 UTC