Six soldiers hurt in landmine explosion in Quirino

July 11, 2017

Six soldiers were wounded in a landmine explosion believed to be laid by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Quirino province on Tuesday morning. Capt. Jefferson Somera, spokesman of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division, said the troops of 86th Infantry Battalion were returning to their command post while on board two KM450 when they were hit by landmine explosion at the vicinity of Brgy. Sangbay, Nagtipunan, Quirino around 8:30 am. “Wounded troops were rushed to Diduyon Distict hospital for proper medical treatment,” he said. “Three of the personnel were given first aid and were declared out of danger while the other three were transferred to Cabaroguis hospital,” he added. Somera said the military vehicles were slightly damaged but can still function. He said government troops were able to use the military vehicles for casualty evacuation. Somera said Major Gen. Paul Atal, commander of the Army’s 5th ID, condemned the use of landmine which is a violation of Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). “This is a clear violation of CARHRIHL and the international rules of warfare, particularly the protocols on the use of mines and explosives,” he said. (Robina Asido/DMS)