SOLDIERS belonging to the Army's 1001st Brigade were conducting Peace and Outreach program in Barangay Cabuyoan in Mabini town in Compostela Valley when a landmine allegedly planted by suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) exploded, leaving two soldiers and a civilian dead.

Fourteen other soldiers were wounded in the explosion.

In a statement, the 10th Infantry Division (ID) condemned the NPA's use of landmine as it violates the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

The local government of Mabini and the Compostela Valley Police Provincial Office extended their condolences to the families of the three slain victims.

Army said they requested residents to be vigilant and report the presence of any lawless armed group through the hotline of the 1001st Brigade hotline at 09177090195. (KRP)