The 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion recovered three (3) Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs) planted by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in the hinterland of Buenavista town in Agusan del Norte last June 28, 2020.
In response to the report from the local populace of Sitio Bulak, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista that an armed group was planning to conduct extortion activities, the government troopers conducted a combat patrol in the vicinity of the area.
The prompt action of the troops resulted in the discovery of three (3) CNT Anti-Personnel Mines that were planted along the trails where the farmers and civilians usually use when going to their respective farms.
It can be recalled that last June 23, 2020, 23rd IB troopers discovered an APM depot of the CNTs buried in the hinterland of Barangay Maasin, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
Eleven (11) containers of Ammonium Nitrate used to make bombs and landmines, NPA assorted garments and subversive documents were seized by the troopers in the area.
Meanwhile Lieutenant Colonel Julius Cesar C Paulo, Commanding Officer of 23IB expressed gratitude to the concerned citizens of Barangay Lower Olave for providing timely information to the Army.
“The series of discoveries of APMs, including the materials that the CNTs used in making landmines show that residents in villages are now tired of the intimidations, harassments, and extortion activities of the communist rebels,” Paulo said.
Paulo also condemned the CTGs for putting into danger the lives of the residents in the area.
He noted that around two to three trails being utilized daily by local residents, especially in going to their farms, are near the spot where the CTGs planted the said three APMs.
“It could have been a disaster for the ordinary farmers if one of these APMs exploded. Lives will be lost. The families of the victims could suffer from such an irresponsible act of the CTGs and on their complete disregard on the lives and welfare of the ordinary civilians in the area,” Paulo said.
“The civilians who reported on the presence of the CTGs were even shocked upon knowing that three APMs were concealed near the trails where they usually pass every day”, he added.
Paulo further emphasized that ordinary civilians are now aware of the importance of informing the Army on the sinister activities of the CNTs that have long plagued their communities and hinder the development initiatives of the government.
“The courage of the people to provide the Army with detailed information on the activities of the CTGs in their communities are manifestations of their direct participation and cooperation in the whole of nation approach to end the local communist armed conflicts,” Paulo said.
He once again urged the remaining CTGs in the hinterlands of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental to consider the offer of the government to renew their lives.
“You still have time to decide for the betterment of your lives and your families. Your soldiers, particularly the 23rd IB, are always willing to help and assist you to avail of all the programs and privileges offered by the government,” Paulo said. (1LT ROEL T MAGLALANG | 23IB | RPN DXKS)
