53rd IB condemns NPA terrorists’ use of Improvised Explosive Device

The 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion condemns the Communist-NPA terrorists’ use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in their conduct of atrocities and violence targeting innocent civilians, public servants, and vulnerable sectors and communities.

Last Saturday, July 11, 2020, an estimated 15-kilogram Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which was used as a landmine was captured near the location of the firefight that transpired between troops of 53rd IB and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists’ Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) and HQ “KALAW” of Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) in the boundary of Sitio Tumanong, Brgy Macasing and Sitio Lacnapan, Brgy Pange, both in Siayan town, Zamboanga del Norte.

The IED was placed on a road trail frequented by residents in the area.

Employing IEDs without particular rules of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack is banned and prohibited by the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the United Nations (UN), and various conventions participated by many countries around the world.

The Communist-NPA terrorists’ emplacement of landmines along road trails frequented by civilians clearly shows that they [the NPA terrorists] do not value the IHL and the by-laws of the UN.

Use of IEDs pose great danger on the civilian populace as these weapons favor no one.

In a statement, 53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said the NPA terrorists never valued human life.

“In their more than 50 years of existence, not only do the Communist-NPA terrorists reject international laws and human rights, they also show no value for human life,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

“The 53rd IB condemns the NPA terrorists and their use of landmines and IEDs because these put people’s lives in grave danger,” added Lt. Col. Herrera.

The IED was brought down safely to be properly disposed of by the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.