By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) slammed the New People’s Army (NPA) after they allegedly used landmines during a gun battle in Himamaylan City last Tuesday.

62IB commander, Lt. Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, said seven of their personnel were wounded after insurgents exploded improvised explosive devices when they overran their encampment.

However, Dacoscos confirmed two NPA rebels were killed in the fight as their leader reportedly commanded others to drag their remains.

He added, the use of anti-personnel mines is a “clear violation” of the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Also called the “Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention,” the policy took effect on March 1, 1999.

The army commander said, by using landmines, the NPA has violated human rights laws and international humanitarian laws.

Following the clash, Dacoscos urged the local Himamaylan City government, particularly Barangay Buenavista, to address the “highly-alarming situation,”

According to the army official, the situation requires a “holistic approach from all concerned stakeholders to address the issue of terrorism being conducted by the rebels in the area.”

“We strongly adhere to the rule of law, especially in times of war and battle, but we are also very saddened and dismayed [by] the desperate moves committed by this terrorist group,” he added. “However, this is a failure on their part as they just showed their inhumane acts–they are truly anti-peace and anti-development.”/DGB, WDJ