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Saturday, December 17, 2005
3 killed, 11 wounded in landmine explosion
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Suspected communist insurgents on Friday detonated a powerful landmine, killing three government soldiers in North Cotabato Province in the southern Philippines, officials said.
Officials said at least 11 soldiers were also wounded in the attack that occurred around 9.45 a.m. near the village of Tuburan in North Cotabato's Tulunan town.
"The victims were unarmed and on their way to bring help to the poor villagers and we condemn the attack," said Major Gamal Hayudini, a spokesman for the military's Southern Command.
Major General Agustin Demaala of the Army's 6th Infantry Division said the act was "barbaric" and criticized communist guerillas for not sparing soldiers on their way to a humanitarian mission.
Governor Emmanuel Piñol said the group of soldiers scheduled to hold a medical mission in the town of Tulunan.
"The villagers are shocked to learn about this attack and many of them cried, and we appeal to the rebels to spare humanitarian workers," Piñol said.
The military said those killed were a deputy battalion commander, a dentist, and the truck driver.
Other sources identified those killed as Major Rico Pliego, of the Army's 39th Infantry Battalion, an officer identified only as Lieutenant Sola, and the driver Corporal Norly dela Cruz.
The Army's 6th Infantry Division did not give any statement and its spokesmen ignored telephone calls.
Southern Command chief Lieutenant General Edilberto Adan condemned the attack and denounced the continued use by the New People's Army of landmines against security forces.
"We condemn the attack and strongly denounce the continued use of landmines by the NPA, not only on our soldiers, but also humanitarian workers," he said.
The military said the NPA has propagated the use of landmines, which is banned around the world.
The attack has further dimmed hopes of a government unilateral ceasefire this yuletide holiday to allow soldiers and rebels to celebrate Christmas with their families.
Hayudini said many military officials do not favor a truce with the NPA and that they are backing a more drastic action against the insurgents.
"We respect whatever decision the government has on this truce with the NPA, but many of soldiers wanted to continue offensive actions against the insurgents, who continue to attack government targets across the country," he said.
The NPA is fighting the past three decades to topple the government and install a Maoist state in the country.
Peace negotiations between the government and the communist rebels have been suspended since August last year following the pullout of the National Democratic Front (NDF) from the talks due to its inclusion in the terror lists of the United States and the European Union.
The NDF, the Communist Party of the Philippines and their armed wing, the NPA, were blacklisted on Manila's prodding.
The rebels have vowed to step up attacks on government targets after Manila suspended safety and immunity guarantee for their negotiators following the collapse of the peace talks.
Rebel leaders said they would only return to the peace negotiations if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asks the United States and the European Union to strike them off from their terror lists.
The MILF appealed to the government and communist rebels to exert efforts in resuming the negotiations and signing a ceasefire agreement to protect the peace process. (Al Jacinto of Sun.Star Zamboanga/Sunnex)
(December 17, 2005 issue)
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