Northern Samar Army Recovers Landmines

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 24): Northern Samar Army Recovers Landmines

Philippine Army (PA) troops foiled another terrorist act by rebel insurgents against government forces when troops belonging to the PA’s 20th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division (ID) recovered two landmines and other explosive devices in an abandoned camp at Brgy. Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar recently while conducting security operations in the area.

“The recovery of landmines is a clear and direct manifestation of the New Peoples Army (NPA)’s wanton disregard for human life and shows that the NPA rebels are in continuous violation of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law,” Lt. Col. Noel Vestuir, Commander of the 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID, PA, said.

“The use of landmines is also a blatant violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and is already banned internationally since landmines cause unmitigated damages to life and property,” stressed Vestuir.

Meanwhile, Capt. Gene Orense, 8ID spokesperson lauded the leadership of the 20th IB troops headed by Vestuir for foiling another possible terrorist attack through the recovery of said landmines.

Orense also disclosed that just recently, NPA insurgents fired upon Army troops and para-military forces in Barangay Guindaulan, Rosario, Northern Samar while conducting a dialogue with the locals. A civilian populace, two military troops and one Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) were wounded in the said incident.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/395391/northern-samar-army-recovers-landmines