Mawab, Compostela Valley Province - After a successful community rally for peace and development by the residents of the 22 brgys of Maco, Comval Province at Maco Poblacion, the CPP/NPA armed terrorists attacked unarmed civilians on their way home at about 5:00 pm yesterday at Brgy Libay-libay, Maco,Comval Province.
The treacherous attack of the NPA resulted to five civilian casualties one of which was pronounced dead on arrival at Davao del Norte Regional Hospital - Tagum City identified as Mr Nicholas Paquingan, 52 years old.
Four were seriously wounded namely: Rogie Pabillon 18 years old, Glemark Gemino 18 years old, Angelito Cumayas 42 years old and Juanito Bacalso 56 years old while one soldier was slightly wounded.
The Law of the Armed Conflict, Section 5 talks about the protection of the civilian people and that attacks on civilians are prohibited.
The use of Improvised Landmine is a violation of two international warfare agreements, namely; the 1997 Ottawa Convention and the amended 1996 United Nations convention in Geneva that banned the use of anti personnel explosive devices.
"We express our heartfelt condolences to the victim's family. We are all grieving with you in this tragic event. This is a manifestation of the barbaric nature of the CPP/NPA which is losing the support of their former masses," said Lt Col Camilo Ligayo, the Commander of 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion.
"The CPA/NPA solely aims to terrorize the people of Brgy. Libay-libay who called out for peace and committed their full support and cooperation to the government's peace and development effort," he added
Philippine Army
