Army condemns the death of a soldier through a landmine

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 23): Army condemns the death of a soldier through a landmine

The army based in Samar condemns the recent killing of a soldier by NPA landmines while the government troops were on their way to Barangay Tigbawon, Gandara, Samar on April 18.

The army reported that aside from one soldier, two paramilitary men were injured in the incident.

It added that some civilians informed the 52nd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) in Samar that some armed men were removing posters of local candidates and replacing them with party-list candidates.

One Sgt Ronald Dalumpines responded with some government troops, nearing the site, three landmines suddenly exploded followed by a burst of fire from automatic weapons, as reported by Col Dante Barotilla, Commanding Officer of the 52nd IB

It added that the soldiers engaged the NPAs in an exchange of fire for 30 minutes.

Although grieving with the loss, Barotilla vowed that the incident will not stop them from pursuing the enemies of the state.

“We will go after the perpetrators not only to honor our fallen comrades but to keep our commitment in keeping our communities secure and away from harm,” the officer said.

Captain Amado Gutierrez, Chief, Public Affairs Officer of 8th ID condemns the act.

“This act is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIL) which prohibits the use of landmine,” said Gutierrez.

Meanwhile, the 8th ID Commanding General Gerardo Layug praised the heroism of government troops.

“We salute our troops who unfortunately paid the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of the lasting peace so that sustainable development will be attained,” Layug in a statement said.

He vowed to all the more ‘steel their resolve to win the peace in Eastern Visayas’.

“This incident will not deter us to pursue the mandate entristed to us but rather steel our resolve to “Win the Peace’ in Eastern Visayas for the benefit of our people we have swornto serve and secure,” said Layug.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221366670132