DND SLAMS NPA LANDMINE ATTACK VS. GOV'T TROOPS IN N. SAMAR

 

Dateline Kamuning

Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. strongly condemned the New People's Army's (NPA) landmine attack last Tuesday that injured government troops conducting operations in Northern Samar.

“The DND strongly condemns the landmine blast perpetrated by the communist terrorist group (CTG) against our troops conducting immersion and clearing operations in Mapanas, Northern Samar, yesterday, July 5. The blast resulted in the injuries of seven (7) of our men from the 20th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army,” Faustino said.

The attacked Faustino said is “a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law.” “It’s a treachery by the CTG in their desire to remain relevant, even as their strength and influence continues to dwindle.”

“Moreover, this dastardly act is a clear and incontrovertible violation of the Ottawa Convention, which bans and condemns the use of landmines,” Faustino added.

“Under the wisdom and guidance of His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and in close collaboration with our National Security Adviser Secretary Clarita Carlos, 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,” Faustino said in a statement.