Army officer killed, 3 hurt in landmine blast

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – An Army officer was killed while three other soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Friday night, the military said.

According to the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, the victims were onboard a KM450 military truck and were on their way to the headquarters of the 66th Infantry Battalion when the vehicle hit a landmine planted along the highway in Barangay Bantacan, New Bataan town.

The military believes that New People’s Army rebels operating in Compostela Valley planted the landmine just 100 meters away from the Iglesia ni Cristo church and about 300 meters away from a school in New Bataan.

“This malevolent violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law is indicative that the NPA is very desperate and ignores what their representatives signed up for. They were unmindful if the landmine would affect innocent civilians,” said Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, 10th ID spokesman.

1Lt. Rodel Daguio of the 4th Scout Ranger Company died while undergoing treatment in a local hospital.

Pfc. Richie Ursal, also of the 4th Scout Ranger Company, and S/Sgt. Arnold Pacino and Cpl. Jaime Clara of the 1001st Infantry Brigade were wounded in the blast and were brought to the Montevista District Hospital.

“It is sad to know that this incident happened before the Father’s Day celebration. Lt. Daguio was expected to be home in Calinan, Davao City on Sunday to celebrate with his wife and two kids,” added Paniza.

Government troops immediately proceeded to the area for pursuit operations.