MANILA, Philippines — Two soldiers were killed and eight others injured when the truck they were riding turned turtle as it swerved to avoid a child in Antipas town, Cotabato province Monday.
The KM450 vehicle was ferrying the troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion back to their headquarters after an operation in Arakan town when it came upon the 5-year old boy playing with a ball in the middle of the road in Barangay Matalab past 9 a.m., Captain Silver Belvis, the battalion spokesman, said.
The vehicle was reportedly traveling fast because communist rebels are known to be active in the area.
The fatalities were identified as Private Marsaga and Private First Class Pregillana.
Injured were PFCs Manuel Lumanod, the driver, Amarillo and Silva, Corporal Anta, and Pvts Lacunsay, Guimay, Gepitulan and Alao.
