AFP: NPA landmine attacks this year fewer, but more fatal

Communist rebels had carried out seven landmine attacks since January, in continued defiance of international laws and of an agreement with the government, the military said on Sunday. Although the number was lower compared to the same period last year, this year’s attacks were deadlier as they had resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and a civilian and the wounding of five soldiers and four civilians. “[Landmine attacks] decreased this year but they were more fatal, there are more deaths this year," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos. The United Nations and the Ottawa Convention ban the use of landmines. The employment of such explosives is also against the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Law signed by the communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF) and the government in 1998. The NDF is currently negotiating for a peace agreement with the Aquino government. Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban said the military establishment condoles with the families of the victims of the landmine attacks. Nevertheless, he said the military is giving primacy to the ongoing peace initiative of the government. “Your soldiers shall continue employing appropriate military capabilities necessitated by the security situation to protect civilians," he said. “We are committed to the permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts and will continue to give primacy to the peace process and adhere to agreements on cessation of hostilities entered into by the (government) including CARHRIHL. We support, advocate and participate in all peace-building endeavors in the country," added Oban, who assumed the top military post early this month. - KBK, GMA News