Assistance to families affected by NPA mine attack assured

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8, 2023): Assistance to families affected by NPA mine attack assured (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

EXPLOSION. The victims of a roadside blast in Las Navas town, Northern Samar province in this June 3, 2023 photo. Northern Samar Second District Representative Harris Christopher Ongchuan on Thursday (June 8) condemned the New People’s Army for detonating anti-personnel mines that killed two civilians. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – A Visayan lawmaker on Thursday assured to provide appropriate assistance to the families affected by the New People's Army's (NPA) anti-personnel mine (APM) attack that killed two civilians in Northern Samar province on June 3.

In a statement, Northern Samar Second District Representative Harris Christopher Ongchuan also condemned the attack in Barangay Magsaysay, Las Navas town, Northern Samar, saying that “violence has no place in our community.”

“The first priority is ensuring the aid and safety of the Nortehanons. We are assessing the situation and appropriate assistance will be provided to the affected families. This is done simultaneously in coordination with the national government to ensure peace and safety in our district,” Ongchuan said.

Ongchuan said he is closely working with the local officials to ensure that those who carried out these attacks will be brought to justice.

“In the first status update I received, Secretary Isidro Purisima, Acting Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity is already on top of the situation. His office released a statement on June 6, and we are ready to extend whatever assistance is needed,” he said.

He called on those responsible for the attack to stop the violence, surrender and face accountability.

“Those who were innocently killed were just trying to make a living to support their family. But now, the families face the burden of having to live the rest of their lives without their loved ones beside them,” he said.

Two civilians were killed in the incident – Roel Lebico and Jerson Cabe, construction workers who had just finished working at a farm-to-market road undergoing construction.

Ongchuan cited the result of the investigation by the local officials showing that the communist armed rebels used APM in the attack, which violates International Humanitarian Law and the International Ban on the Use of APM.

“Our office would not stop until safety and aid is provided to those affected, and justice is served for those who have lost family,” he said.

Purisima also assured the family of the victims that the perpetrators of the gruesome incident would be held accountable and shall be brought to justice.

He said the NPA must indemnify the families of the victims.

"The OPAPRU, in collaboration with its peace partners, is committed to promoting the culture of peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity among our people so that such reprehensible acts against humanity can be prevented or avoided. Once again, we express our sincere condolences to the victims' families. We assure you that justice will be served," Purisima said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203202