AFP's peace, development efforts continue despite ComVal land mine attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 4): AFP's peace, development efforts continue despite ComVal land mine attack

Col. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., 701st Infantry Brigade commander today said the deployment of peace and development teams will continue despite the landmine attack in Sitio Lantawan, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province which wounded seven soldiers Tuesday morning.

“The rebels' desperate and futile move aims to hinder and derail our peace and development activities; however, it will not stop us, and will in fact, further strengthen our resolve in pursuing lasting peace and development in this part of the country. Thus, we call on all stakeholders to unite in our endeavor and condemn every violence that causes fear and intimidation to the people," he added.

Madrigal said they will not be distracted by the efforts of the rebels and added the use of landmines shows the NPAs' desperate moves to cripple those people who safeguard the sovereignty of the place.

"As such, the rebels engrossed with false ideals, displayed an undesirable act which is a gross violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect For Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law on the total ban on the use of land mines," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561914