3 soldiers killed by NPA landmine

MANILA, Philippines - Three soldiers were killed and eight others were hurt in separate encounters with communist rebels in Northern Samar, the military said Friday.

Reports reaching the Army’s 8th division said a roadside landmine exploded Tuesday morning as members of the 34th battalion were patrolling Barangay Bugtosan, only about 700 meters away from a populated area in Las Navas town.

The attack left three soldiers dead and six others wounded. The fatalities were identified as Pvt. Lino Mahinay, Pfc. Jaype Yulas and Pfc. Albert Abolencia while wounded were 2Lt. Marco Abante, Cpl. Ronnie Balastas, Pfc. Gerry Culaban, Pfc. Danmar Ching, Pfc. Marlon Urbano and Pfc. Buenaventura Raygon.

“The soldiers were on security operations when waylaid by the NPA (New People’s Army),” said Maj. Amado Gutierrez, spokesman of the Army’s 3rd division.

Government troops recovered five improvised explosives, five electrical blasting caps, 1,500 meters electrical wire and two back packs.

The military said the NPA had violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law when it used a landmine against the soldiers.

“Landmines not only posed danger to military personnel, but more so, it endangers the lives of innocent civilians who regularly and unwittingly pass by the road where landmines are planted,” Gutierrez said.

Meanwhile, two more soldiers were wounded in a clash with NPA members in Barangay Sumuroy in Lope de Vega town last Saturday.

The wounded soldiers– identified as Pfc. Jay Arabening and Pfc. Dexter Quilates – were immediately evacuated to Camp Vicente Lukban Station Hospital for treatment.

Despite their apparent setback, military officials are confident that Samar and Northern Samar would soon be declared as “development ready” provinces.

“The series of encounters is expected as we are now in the last phase of our plan to eradicate the remnants of the NPAs in Samar and Northern Samar,” said Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, chief of the 8th Infantry Division.

“We invite all peace stakeholders to add their voices to the desire for peace,” he added.