Two children were killed while two others were injured after an improvised explosive device allegedly planted by Abu Sayyaf bandits exploded in So Bohe Begang, Barangay Bohe Piang, Albarka, Basilan Province last Friday.

The casualties were identified as Hamodi Almadi, 10; and Alkodi Almadi, 8.

Almodzri Anali, 15; and Albadal Ananli, 5; suffered injuries from the blast.

The children were playing outside their home when the bomb exploded.

“The said IED was laid by the Abu Sayyafs intended to inflict casualty to government troops. However, it is sad to say that innocent civilians, particularly children, are victims of this kind of atrocity,” the Armed Forces' 104th Brigade said in a statement.

Barangay Bohe Piang lies within a kilometer of the Abu Sayyaf’s complex of defensive hilltops and strongholds that were seized by government troops last August.