Three of anti-personnel mines (APMs) believed to be belonging to the New People’s Army were recovered by the Army’s 23 Infantry Battalion (23IB) in the hinterland barangay of Buenavista town in Agusan del Norte, a military official said Thursday.
Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Captain Al Anthony Pueblas said a tip-off from Agusan del Norte villagers led government troops who were on a security patrol in Sitio Bulak, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista town on June 28, 2020.
“Reportedly, an armed group was planning to conduct extortion activities, while the government troops conducting a combat patrol in the said area,” said Pueblas.
Pueblas said the prompt action of the troops resulted in the discovery of 3 communist rebels’ anti-personnel mines that were planted along the trails where the farmers and civilians usually use when going to their respective farms.
On June 23, 2020, according to Pueblas the troops recovered the bomb-making materials and ammunition in the hinterland village of Maasin, Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur.
Eleven (11) containers of Ammonium Nitrate used to make bombs and landmines, NPA assorted garments, and subversive documents were seized by the troopers in the area.
“The citizens in the area saw the danger of these landmines. Farmers going to their farms usually pass very near the depot where explosive materials are deposited,” said Pueblas.
Meanwhile, 23IB commander Lt. Colonel Julius Cesar C Paulo, expressed gratitude to the concerned citizens of Barangay Lower Olave for providing timely information to the Army.
“The series of discoveries of APMs, including the materials that the communist rebels used in making landmines show that residents in villages are now tired of the intimidations, harassments, and extortion activities of the communist rebels,” Paulo said.
Paulo condemned the communist group for putting into danger the lives of the residents in the area.
“It could have been a disaster for the ordinary farmers if one of these APMs exploded. Lives will be lost. The families of the victims could suffer from such an irresponsible act of the CTGs and on their complete disregard on the lives and welfare of the ordinary civilians in the area,” Paulo said.
Paulo said that ordinary civilians are now aware of the importance of informing the Army on the sinister activities of the communist rebels that have long plagued their communities and hinder the development initiatives of the government.
He again urged the remaining communist rebels in the hinterlands of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental to consider the offer of the government to renew their lives.
“You still have time to decide for the betterment of your lives and your families. Your soldiers, particularly the 23rd IB, are always willing to help and assist you to avail of all the programs and privileges offered by the government,” Paulo said. (Ben Balce)
