Press Release

April 29, 2012

NPA Violates CARHRIHL; Explodes Landmine

Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province- Another NPA Improvised Landmine exploded in Mabini at around 8:30pm yesterday, April 28, 2012 Peace and Development teams of 71st IB, while conducting community security patrol at Sitio Manasa and Mascareg of Brgy Anitapan, Mabini, CVP, were landmined by members of the Organized Crime Group - New Peoples Army. Accordingly, the troops responded to the reports from the residents of the presence of armed men harassing the community. Upon passing through Sitio Kidararaan, Brgy Golden Valley Mabini, CVP, a landmine exploded killing 1 soldier and wounding 7 others. Initial investigation revealed that said landmine was laid along the access road where the residents pass through daily. In a statement, Lt Col JERRY T BORJA, 71st Infantry Battalion commander, condemned the incident and expressed his units grief and pride of his fallen soldier. This is another violation on the provisions of CARHRIHL specifically Part III, Article 2, Paragraph 15, regarding the banning of use of landmines made by the Organized Crime Group. The use of landmines does not only harm the soldiers but the civilians as well. They are most vulnerable to landmines, since they just go about their routine works confident that they will be spared by the criminals. We grieve for losing another hero but this will not affect our commitment to bring peace and development in all communities. This will push us to do more to win the peace and help improve the lives of the people here in Mabini in order to give justice to the life laid by another soldier by serving the people. Lt Col BORJA said. -ENDReleased by:

Cpt Jan Sangacala 71st Infantry (KAIBIGAN) Battalion Contact # 09177145988