AFP troops foil NPA landmine attack in Surigao del Norte
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Troops of the Army’s 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion foiled a landmine attack during a clash with the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in the hinterland area of Biyadid, in Sison town, Surigao del Norte.
“Our troops foiled the use of Anti-Personnel Mines (APM) planted by the CNTs that endangered local residents,” said 30th IB CMO Officer 2nd Lt. Benjamin Elisand De Dios, on Thursday.
With the information given by concerned villagers on the whereabouts of CNTs who allegedly planted the Anti-Personnel Mine or APM, the 30th IB launched a focused military operation (FMO) that led to an encounter in Biyadid area.
The fierce gunbattle lasted for about 30 minutes. The CNTs fled after sensing that they were outgunned and outpositioned, 2nd Lt. De Dios said.
Operating troops recovered the APM that was already laid along a trail frequently used by local residents in the area, the 30th IB CMO officer said.
An undetermined number of CNTs were believed wounded during the clash. There was no casualty on the government’s side.
Last April 19, 2020, 30th IB patrolling troops also recovered two APMs in an encounter site in Camam-onan, Gigaquit town of the same province.
“The CNTs’ continued use of APMs is a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) undermining people’s right, safety and protection. They (CNTs) used APM to sow fear on the helpless local residents in the area,” 30th IB commander Lt. Col. Ryan Charles G Callanta said.
“The support and cooperation of the people led to the recovery of another APM from CNT. This shows that our campaign against terrorism is significantly gaining headway,” he said.
“We strongly condemn the CNTs’ act of continuously using APM that endangers civilians,” the 30th IB commander said.
“With this, we assure the people of Surigao del Norte that we will continue to secure and protect each and every peaceloving people of the province,” Callanta said.
“The use of APMs is a violation of Republic Act 9851, An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, Organizing Jurisdiction, Designating Special Courts, and for Related Purposes, the 30th IB commander added.