4 soldiers wounded in NPA landmine attack

TACLOBAN CITY – Four soldiers were wounded when a landmine planted by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels went off in Catarman, Northen Samar yesterday.

Capt. Francis Agno, 8th Infantry Division spokesman, said the soldiers were on their way to deliver food to their colleagues conducting a community support program when the landmine exploded in the vicinity of Barangays Hinatad and Mckinley at 11:35 a.m.

Sherly Robenacio, 35, and Christian Robenacio, 17, residents of Barangay Hinatad, were wounded after they were hit by stray bullets in the gunfight between soldiers and NPA rebels following the explosion. They were confined at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital.

Lt. Col. Apollo Herrera 43rd Infantry Battalion commander, condemned the atrocities committed by NPA rebels, particularly the use of landmines.

“These illegal activities... affect innocent civilians and are a clear violation of the International Humanitarian and Comprehensive Agreement for Respect on Human Rights and International Law... and the peace efforts of the government,” Herrera said.

As this developed, the Leyte police was placed on heightened alert as it braces for more attacks by communist insurgents.

Senior Superintendent Dante Novicio said additional police officers were deployed in rebel-infested areas in the province during the holiday season.