Army to sustain peace efforts despite soldiers death

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 7): Army to sustain peace efforts despite soldiers death

A top military officer declared that the soldiers will not be distracted in implementing the peace and development outreach program (PDOP) in the countryside despite losing four companions in an ambush in Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District Sunday afternoon. Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division today said that four days after the ambush, his troops remain dynamic in its effort for the PDOP in the far-flung communities. He maintained that only through the PDOP in the remaining conflict-affected areas, the regional development plan of Region 11 will be realized. “We will remain to be steadfast in working with the local government units and other peace and development stakeholders. They are with us,” Bernardo said.... Bernardo also explained that the soldiers who were killed in the ambush were actually involved in office work. “They went out to hear mass and to do marketing. It is sad that the rebels took advantage of their situation,” he said. Bernardo said that under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, unarmed and off-duty soldiers must not be harmed. He lamented that the soldiers were killed even though some of them could have been spared since they were already wounded. “The International Humanitarian Law clearly states to take care of the wounded. They could have not been summarily executed,” Bernardo said....

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381352273490