TROOPS FOILED NPA BOMBING IN DAVAO DEL NORTE

March 25, 2011

Camp Panacan Davao City – The troops of the 60th Infantry Battalion under 10th
Infantry Division successfully foiled another NPA attempt to lay landmines along the
road at Sitio Lagandang, Brgy Suaon, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte yesterday, and
March 25, 2011. The security operation was launched when concerned local residents
reported to the government troops the presence of armed men roaming in the said area.

“The plan of the NPAs to lay improvised landmines along roads where civilians,
especially school-children was prevented”. Col Lysander Suerte, the 1003 rd Brigade
Commander said. “If not for the prompt report of concerned citizens, another disaster
could have happened. The landmines recovered are anti-personnel and the laying of it
in main access routes endangers lives and limbs of our citizenry”, he added.

In a clash with the NPAs at 12 noon yesterday, the troops recovered two
improvised landmines, two Garand rifles, and 10 backpacks with personal belongings
and documents, including NPA manuals in making improvised landmines. The NPAs
abandoned one of their companions who died during the exchange of fires.

Since January this year, there are already five bombing incidents done by the
NPAs in different areas of Region 11. The latest happened in Sta. Cruz Davao Del Sur
killing two soldiers and wounding two others. Last February 13, three civilians were
killed in a landmining attack by the NPAs in Maco, Compostela Valley Province.
According to Ltc Lyndon Paniza, the 10th Infantry Division Spokesman, “the Maco
Massacre was the most horrific bombing of the NPAs which killed and wounded
innocent civilians. The soldiers who were landmined in Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur are
implementing community outreach programs in partnership with the Local Government.”

The spokesman further reiterated that the recovery of the improvised landmines
indicates the NPAs’ continuous intent to violate the Comprehensive Agreement on
Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) signed
by the Government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Geneva and
Ottawa International protocols on landmines ban. “We assure the public that 10th ID will
continue its support to peace and development programs even at the cost of offering the
ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful of the strong acceptance of the community to our
soldiers who live and work with them in their barangays.” Ltc Paniza added.
 The cadaver of the dead NPA was turned over to the local government of
Kapalong, Davao Del Norte for identification and to accord proper burial.

Released by:

Ltc Lyndon Paniza

Spokesperson, 10th Infantry Division
Philippine Army
Contact # 0917-711-0146