Showing blatant disregard for civilian lives, New People's
Army (NPA) rebels mined the San Isidro-Mababa road in Marihatag town, Surigao
Del Sur, creating severe congestion as government forces worked hard to remove
the lethal explosives Friday.
Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson,
said the 7th Special Forces Company learned the laying of landmines by the
rebels from concerned civilians, who spotted the explosive alongside with the
rebel snipers.
Presence of the latter prevented explosive ordnance disposal
and K-9 teams from 4th Infantry Division to conduct landmine recovery
operations until 9 p.m.
Recovered from the area is a 5 kilogram landmine with
complete accessories (blasting cap and electric wire).
Prior to the discovery of the landmine and after the
government's declaration of the suspension of military operations (SOMO)
midnight Dec. 19, troops from the 401st Infantry Brigade took to their
defensive posts after persistent reports that the rebels are consolidating along
Barangays of Mahaba, Bongon and San Isidro Marihatag Surigao Del Sur.
Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Eastern Mindanao Command chief,
lauded Col. Gregory Cayetano of 401st Infantry Brigade for his sobriety and
prompt action to protect the communities while adhering to the SOMO guidelines.
"In the spirit of Christmas and the standing guidelines
of SOMO, 401st Infantry Brigade under Col. Gregory Cayetano did not launch
combat operations along these areas instead took a defensive stance while
ensuring the safety of the communities under his AOR he should be credited for
that," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=719859
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