Army Troops on Security and Rehabilitation Operation Landmined by NPA; One killed, 10 others wounded

Mati City – Peace and Development Teams of 28IB onboard two military vehicles led by 2LT Paypa were hit by a landmine at Sitio Mainit, Brgy. Calapagan, Lupon, Davao Oriental at 12:20 midnight of January 22, 2013.

The said team was on convoy, drifting their way back to headquarters from security and rehabilitation operation of the typhoon Pablo as landmine exploded hitting the rear portion of the second vehicle. Six were wounded and immediately brought to the Provincial Hospital, as one soldier did not make it. Pfc Jhasam Diaz died while being treated in the hospital. Moreover the rest of the injured were being treated now at Tagum Regional Hospital and Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital, Mati City.

“The army troops were part of the security of troops rendering rehabilitations to typhoon Pablo affected areas. The NPAs again showed their barbarism and inhuman acts by disturbing our humanitarian assistance activities” LTC Lyndon Paniza, 10ID spokesman.

“This is a clear manifestation that the New People’s Army violate and does not respect the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), landmine is strictly prohibited in this agreement. The NPAs are very desperate and ignored the provisions of CARHRIHL”. Paniza added.

Meanwhile two clashes happened between the army’s 60th Infantry Batalion and NPAs in Brgy. Mabuhay, Laak Compostela Valley at 2pm and 3:30pm yesterday. The army troops were on rescue operation on recent abduction by the NPAs of 1 soldier and policeman last January 17, 2013.

As investigation continues, the AFP persists to chase the bandits believed to be guilty on the incident.