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 April 17, 2019. The military condemned the NPA for using landmines in its attacks, which shows disrespect to basic human rights. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 20th IB)
TACLOBAN CITY -- The Philippine Army has condemned the frequent use of anti-personnel mines by the New People’s Army in Samar Island, victimizing soldiers and civilians.
The military reported on Tuesday the communist terrorist group used explosives six times this year as they attacked soldiers and policemen. Mines detonated by rebels this year took the lives of 13 soldiers and one boy.
The use of explosives has wounded 45 soldiers and two civilians in separate attacks in Samar provinces.
“That’s really barbaric because that does not discriminate any target. In Las Navas, Northern Samar, a boy was killed and in Borongan City, a civilian was wounded,” Brig. Gen. Ramil Bitong, assistant division commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division told reporters on Tuesday.
In Las Navas town, rebels detonated a landmine near a temporary patrol base of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, Charlie Company last April 17 to harm soldiers but instead killed a Grade 3 pupil.
Last Nov. 11, a civilian was wounded in Pinanag-an village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. The landmine attack and gun battle killed six soldiers and wounded 24 others.
In Pinabacdao, Samar, two civilians tasked to deliver a police car from Metro Manila to Mindanao were hurt in a landmine explosion planted by rebels.
The other three incidents were recorded in San Jorge, Samar where 11 soldiers were injured last January 12; in Calbiga, Samar where six soldiers and six others were wounded last April 23; and in Basey, Samar where a soldier perished and six of his comrades were hurt.
The military repeatedly condemned 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 NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
