Two construction workers killed by rebels-laid mine in Northern Samar

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 3, 2024): Two construction workers killed by rebels-laid mine in Northern Samar (By MARIE TONETTE MARTICIO)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar -- Two civilians died due to anti-personnel landmines (AP mine) allegedly planted by the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Magsaysay, Las Navas, Northern Samar, Saturday, June 3.

The victims whose names were withheld by the Army were workers in the construction of the farm-to-market road that will connect the interior villages of said town.

Initial investigation showed that aside from injuries suffered from the APM explosion, the victims also sustained gunshot wounds.

Lieutenant Colonel Joemar Buban, Commanding Officer of the 20th Infantry Battalion, said that the terrorist attack of the NPAs is a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty), which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines (APLs).

"The 20IB has been doing its best to help the former conflict-affected barangays through our Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program Teams to achieve long-lasting peace and sustainable development in Northern Samar. But the CPP-NPA's recent AP mine attack shows violence and senseless killings, which does not contribute to improving the way of life of the Nortehanons," Lt. Col. Buban lamented.

He added that the use of these AP Mines that killed two civilians and numerous innocent individuals in the past is a matter of procedure for said terrorists who are bent on inflicting death and damage to lives and properties.

"We are calling the Commission of Human Rights to investigate and make a statement on these continuous inexcusable violations of Ottawa Convention, International Humanitarian Law, and RA 9851, by communist NPA terrorists in Northern Samar,” stressed Lt. Col. Buban.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/3/two-construction-workers-killed-by-rebels-laid-mine-in-northern-samar