DND’S Faustino slams rebel landmine attack in N. Samar

THE Department of National Defense (DND) condemned on Wednesday the landmine attack perpetrated by New People’s Army soldiers against government troops in Northern Samar that left seven soldiers were wounded.

“This is a very isolated case and a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law, more specifically, an incontrovertible violation of the Ottawa Convention, which bans and condemns the use of landmines,” said DND Senior Undersecretary and Officer in Charge Jose Faustino Jr. in a news statement.

Elements of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion were negotiating a trail by foot in Barangay Magsaysay, Mapanas, Northern Samar on Tuesday when the rebels detonated a landmine that wounded the soldiers, two of whom were earlier reported to be in critical condition.

Despite the attack, Faustino said the government would strengthen its counterinsurgency efforts under the guidance of the Commander in Chief.

“Under the wisdom and guidance of His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we shall continue to strengthen our efforts under the NTF-ELCAC, which is fully functional and highly effective in delivering essential services to our communities nationwide, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” he said.

“We will relentlessly support the whole-of-nation approach to the government’ s counterinsurgency operations to address the root causes of the insurgency, and finally end the scourge wrought by these terrorists on the Filipino people,” he added.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) is currently in the country as the Philippine Army (PA) and its Thai counterpart are meeting to map out activities involving both forces next year.

Army chief lt. gen. romeo brawn er Jr. welcomed Royal Thai Army (RTA) Deputy Director-general for Operations Maj. Gen. Thongchai Rodyoi at the Army headquarters as the 7th PARTA Steering Group Meeting draw up plans for bilateral activities next year.