Soldier killed, 5 hurt in Davao Oriental landmine blast

From InterAksyon (Jan 22): Soldier killed, 5 hurt in Davao Oriental landmine blast

Soldiers conducting rehabilitation efforts in Davao Oriental areas hit by Typhoon "Pablo" in Davao Oriental were hit by a landmine explosion past midnight Tuesday, killing one. Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division said members of the 28th Infantry Battalion were en route to their headquarters after conducting rehabilitation efforts when a landmine exploded along the highway in Sitio Mainit, Barangay Calpagan, Lupon town. 

The soldiers were on board two military vehicles when the explosion occurred at around 12:20 a.m. The explosion hit the rear portion of the second vehicle, hitting six soldiers. Private First Class Jhasam Diaz died while being treated at the provincial hospital. The rest of the wounded were brought to Tagum Regional Hospital for treatment. Paniza blamed the incident on the communist New People's Army (NPA).

"This is a clear manifestation that the NPA violates and does not respect the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). Landmine is strictly prohibited in this agreement," Paniza said.

Meanwhile, Army troops from the 60th Infantry Battalion clashed with NPA rebels Monday afternoon while conducting rescue operations on the soldier and policeman abducted by the rebels last January 17. The Army vows to pursue the rebels as investigation continues.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/53323/soldier-killed-5-hurt-in-davao-oriental-landmine-blast