Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 5) — Seven soldiers were hurt after an explosion during a mine clearing operation in Mapanas, Northern Samar on Tuesday with two of the victims in critical condition
The incident happened around 6:15 a.m., according to 8th Infantry Division Commander MGen. Edgardo de Leon.
“Yung ating tropa na nagcommunity service, immersion sa Mapanas, Northern Samar pinasabugan ng anti-personnel mine, so seven of our troops were injured, of the seven dalawa ang critical,” said de Leon.
[Translation: Our troops were doing community service in Mapanas, Northern Samar when an anti-personnel mine exploded, so seven of our troops were injured. Of the seven two are in critical condition.]
“May reports nga na may mga anti-personnel mines na nilalatag dun so nagresponde ang tropa natin. So, in the process yun nga tinamaan, sinabugan sila ng anti-personnel mine. So, mabuti na lang walang civilian na ano, kasi yung ganung oras dinadaan na yan e ng mga civilian e.”
[Translation: There are reports of anit-personnel mines in the area so our troops responded. There was an explosion and some were hurt. It’s a good thing there were no civilians because they pass that way at the time.]
De Leon said he is following up on the condition of the soldiers who were critically hurt.
He said the devices had no pressure release and had to be detonated remotely.
De Leon explained unlike anti-vehicle or anti-tank mines, anti-personnel mines are not banned.
He added the National Democratic Front could be behind the explosion.
“Meron tayong pursuit operation and may SOCO (scene of the crime office) teams ngayon dun and we will file appropriate case of IHL (international humanitarian law) violation against the NDF leadership,” said de Leon.
[Translation: There is a pursue operations and there are SOCO teams and we will fire the appropriate case of IHL violation against the NDF leadership.]
