(Update) 8 soldiers hurt in rebel landmine attack in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24): (Update) 8 soldiers hurt in rebel landmine attack in North Cotabato
 
Pursuit operations are now being conducted by the Eastern Mindanao Command against the rebel band who detonated a landmine in which wounded eight soldiers of the 57th Infantry Battalion in Purok 2, Barangay Luna Norte, Makilala town, North Cotabato before dawn Friday.

Reports forwarded by Capt. Alberto Caber, the command's spokesperson, said the incident took place around 12:45 a.m.

He added the wounded soldiers were aboard a KM-450 troop carrier which ran over a landmine which was quickly detonated by a rebel forces.

“Our soldiers are deployed to safeguard our people from NPAs barbaric attack and extortion in the area. The wounded soldiers were immediately brought to Kidapawan Hospital for treatment, ” Caber stressed.

Last Sept. 1, 2013, the NPA attacked the Standard Rubber Development Corporation in Makilala and killed its manager in a landmine explosion.

The destruction of the P20-million rubber processing factory left some 700 rubber farm workers jobless.

Civilian reports point to the Fronts 72 and 51 of the New People's Army as responsible for these atrocities.

The use of landmine is a violation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=609009