Army disposes recovered rebel IEDs in Isabela

From the Manila Standard (Dec 23, 2019): Army disposes recovered rebel IEDs in Isabela (By Brenda Jocson)

Gamu, Isabela—The Army’s 5th Infantry (Star) Division spearheaded the disposal of numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs) recovered from the communist New People’s Army at the 5th Division Training School at Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz here.

Maj. Gen. Pablo Lorenzo, 5ID commander, said the IEDs included 22 anti-tank landmines and 10 anti-personnel mines with power galvanometer and detonating cords.

They were recovered during different tactical engagements of 502nd Infantry Brigade and 95th Infantry Battalion against the rebels, he said.

Lorenzo said the NPA rebels belong to the Central Front of Komiteng Rehiyong-Cagayan Valley in Central Isabela province particularly in the municipalities of San Mariano, Benito Soliven and the remote areas of Ilagan City.

According to the 5ID Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, the IEDs are very critical and sensitive that exposure to heat, shock and friction may trigger their explosion.

Lorenzo said the immediate disposal of these explosives is necessary to prevent unintentional damage to life and properties.

“The disposal of the recovered IEDs will save many lives especially the civilian populace in the area,” Lorenzo added.

He also emphasized that the use of IEDs is prohibited under the international and national laws due to its “uncontrollable and devastating effect to humanity.”

He urged the communist NPA members to stop using IEDs and submit themselves to the government that they may live peacefully together with their families again.

Meanwhile, a former rebel only identified as Ka Ronie was reportedly responsible in making the IEDs that were disposed.

Ka Ronie was recruited by the NPA due to his knowledge on electronic circuitry, the military said.

Police said the NPA bomb expert was able to fabricate blasting caps to aid the NPA’s techniques, tactics and procedures in warfare, they added.

Ka Ronie was a member of the Demolition Training Team trained by the NPA in manufacturing the recovered IEDs used to destroy private properties and government flagship projects to continue their extortion activities. He was teary-eyed when he encouraged his former comrades who are still in the hinterlands to surrender.

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