DAVAO CITY — Ther personnel from 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion (29IB) detonates a landmine used by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at Sitio Pinamugaan, Brgy. Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on January 10, 2023.
The military also condemned the CTG for its violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by detonating a landmine during an encounter
“Planting landmine is violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL),” says the military in a press statement.
The detonation resulted in the wounding of 29IB personnel, who incurred minor injuries from the shrapnels.
The clash transpired after troops responded to an information from concerned civilians regarding the extortion and foraging activities of 10 NPAs, reportedly members of the Sentro De Grabidad 16, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (SDG16, GF16, NEMRC), targeting the small-scale miners in the hinter areas of Brgy Bangonay, Santiago. The government forces also recovered various ammunition and subversive documents left behind by the fleeing communist terrorist after the 5-minute firefight.
The wounded soldier is now in stable condition after he was given first aid and immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital.
Pursuit operations are also ongoing against the fleeing perpetrators.
In his statement, 29IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Cresencio C. Gargar denounced the atrocity committed by the CTG that violated the IHL and Republic Act 9851 or the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.”
He also assured that their focused military operations will not stop despite the communist terrorists’ illegal attacks.
“It is our mandate to protect the people and secure our nation against the threat posed by these communist terrorists. We will optimize our military operations in that area to neutralize the remaining NPAs that brought fear and terror in the communities,’ Lt. Col. Gargar emphasized.
