Northern Samar governor condemns NPA landmines attack on 2 civilians

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 13, 2023): Northern Samar governor condemns NPA landmines attack on 2 civilians (By MARIE TONETTE M. MARTICIO)

TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan called the recent landmine explosion that killed two civilians in Las Navas town a display of violence by the New People's Army.



GOV. Edwin Ongchuan (NEDA FB)

The victims who were residents of Barangay Quirino, Las Navas were construction workers on an ongoing farm-to-market road.

They were reportedly on their way home late Saturday, June 3, 2023, when the landmines were detonated on the roadside, which caused their untimely death.

"It is a clear reflection of the desperate tactic of the NPAs to sow fear among our people, especially in remote areas where they find civilians, children, and women, easy targets," he lamented.

He stressed that the use of landmines, which is a violation of the Ottawa Convention or the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, should stop.

"While we grieve for the loss of two men from our community, we cannot, and will not yield to their twisted revolutionary cause," the governor said.

He said they will pursue our peace and development initiatives primarily in geographically isolated and displaced areas of the province where help is needed most to increase people’s access to government services and reduce poverty.

Ongchuan added that they look forward to having the perpetrators brought to the bar of justice.

"May this unfortunate event push us to unite more, and help the government in its efforts to build a peaceful community, that which is free from atrocity and violence. We call on our communities to stay firm, keep our resolve to fight terrorism and unjust killings."

Northern Samar is known as the last bastion of local insurgency in the country.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/13/northern-samar-governor-condemns-npa-landmines-attack-on-2-civilians