Troops Foil Terrorists’ Landmine Attack in Bukidnon

Soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) under operational control of the 403rd Infantry Brigade thwarted the terrorists attempt to bomb a community in Sitio Nabawang, Busdi, Malaybalay City around 9:00 a.m, Wednesday, July 19.

This, after troops, responded to civilians’ reports that they saw armed men setting up IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) at the roadsides.

Responding troops engaged the terrorists in a five-minute firefight forcing the terrorists to flee.

Field reports showed no casualties on the government troops while government troops believed that there were rebels wounded during the firefight as globs of blood splotched along their withdrawal routes.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald M. Illana, 8IB Commanding Officer, said the thwarted attack led to saving dozens of innocent lives and demonstrates that residents are players in the intelligence battle against the New People’s Army-Communist Party of the Philippines Terrorists (CNTs).

The troops recovered various explosives paraphernalia at the battleground, including a 70-meter electrical wire and empty shells of M16 and AK-47 rifle.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Illana condemned the CPP-NPA Terrorists for continuously violating the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law or CARHRIHL.

“This is a clear violation of the provisions of the CARHRIHL that prohibits the use of landmines. The use of such an explosive device poses great harm to civilians, especially when placed near communities. The CPP-NPA has grown desperate to win a losing battle that they have crossed the line and resorted to using weapons that could inflict damage to civilians,” he said.

For his part, Brigadier General Eric C Vinoya AFP, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, appreciated the cooperation of local residents. He cited the communities’ waning support to the CNTs.

“Clearly, we can see that the CPP-NPA Terrorists are losing the support and sympathy of our people, who are now well aware of the lies and deception of this terrorist group. We commend the cooperation of the local residents in the area as this is very critical in our fight against a terror group that knows no bounds and clearly disrespects established agreements and rules of war,” BGen. Vinoya said. (1Lt. Erwin P. Bugarin, CMO Officer, 8th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA/PIA 10-Bukidnon)