TACLOBAN CITY -- Netizens expressed indignation over the heartless acts of the New People’s Army (NPA) with their latest atrocity resulting in the death of a 10-year-old boy in Las Navas, Northern Samar on Wednesday.
The rebels detonated a landmine near a temporary patrol base of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion (IB) Charlie Company at around noon with the intention to kill soldiers but instead killed Armando Raymunde, a Grade 3 pupil in remote San Miguel village.
Michael Mabini labeled the rebels as heartless since they do not care whoever is endangered while shooting at soldiers.
“I have co-teachers assigned in San Miguel village in Lasa Navas. They shared to me their horrific experiences with the NPAs. They tend to attack soldiers in places where there are many school children, which they can use as a human shield,” Mabini said.
Sincerity
A certain Ariel Macaraeg questioned the NPA’s sincerity to attain peace.
“The President offered peace talks to the communist terrorists. They responded with this,” he said.
Meanwhile, soldiers trained in combat lifesaver tried to revive the victim but failed. He succumbed to fatal wounds.
The government troops were in the area to carry out community support program when the land mine exploded.
The Philippine Army, in a statement issued Wednesday, lashed out at the communist terrorists for victimizing an innocent child.
“They do not value the lives of civilians, especially children. This unit strongly condemns the atrocities perpetrated by the communist terrorist and will exert our efforts in coordination with the Philippine National Police to bring the perpetrators into justice,” the Army said.
The military also condemed the NPA for using landmines in their attacks, which shows disrespect to basic human rights. The rebels also disregarded the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
The landmine attack happened two days after two soldiers were killed by rebels while inspecting an ongoing road project in San Antonio and Catotogan villages, also in Las Navas, a fourth class town in Northern Samar province.
The NPA, which has been engaged in a five-decade armed struggle, is considered as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
INNOCENT VICTIM. The lifeless body of a boy after the New People's Army detonated a landmine in San Miguel village, Las Navas, Northern Samar on Wednesday (April 17, 2019). The military condemned the NPA for using landmines in its attacks, which shows disrespect to basic human rights. (Photo courtesy of PA 20th IB)
