Army uncovers NPA’s plan to plant landmines in Antique

From Politiko (Mar 21, 2019): Army uncovers NPA’s plan to plant landmines in Antique

The Philippine Army has foiled another attempt by the communist New People’s Army to plant land mines in Antique province, following a clash there last Tuesday.

According to the Army, its 61st Infantry Battalion encountered the NPAs at 6 a.m. of March 19 at Barangay Osorio 1 in San Remigio, Antique.

“We believe they have plans to set up landmines and ambush government troops,” said Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commander (https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/army-says-it-foiled-rebels-landmine-planting-plot/).

Magbalot said they expect more attacks by the NPA, which will mark its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.

According to Magbalot, a five-minute firefight occurred between sldiers from the 61st IB and CAFGU Active Auxiliary.

No one was killed or wounded among the government troopers.

Recovered from the area were materials used for making improvised explosive device (IED) and empty shells of various firearms.

But Magbalot expressed alarm over the perceived “mass production” of IEDs by the NPA.

Government troops had seized nine IEDs, weighing around nine kilos each, after an encounter March 17 at Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo.

Also recovered were 40 cal-5.56 mm ammunition shells, nine cal-7.62 mm cartriges, an undetermined device made of sealed orange pipe, and a black pistol holster.

https://visayas.politics.com.ph/army-uncovers-npas-plan-to-plant-landmines-in-antique/