Landmine victims slam NPA for ‘insincere’ apology
Victims of the recent landmine attack in Davao del Sur, together with police and military representatives, face the media at Digos Doctors Hospital.
DIGOS, Davao del Sur, Philippines—The apology of the New People’s Army in the recent landmine blast did not appease victims.
Victims of the landmine blast in Bansalan town last Sunday said they did not get any apology.
“We have not received it but we have read it in the internet,” Carmeli Joy dela Cruz told reporters at a briefing at Digos Doctors Hospital.
A convoy of ambulances that were set to rescue injured soldiers were hit by a landmine explosive set off by the NPA. The blast left five civilians injured.
Dela Cruz, a responder from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, was seated in the middle of one of the ambulances and was unharmed. Her companions sustained injuries, however.
“We did not receive a letter [of apology]. It seemed not sincere,” said Arnel Baleroso, also one of the victims.
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Zuniega of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, at the site of the recent landmine blast in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, says their pursuit operation against the communist rebels continues.
“They should apologize on television,” he said.
The police, meanwhile, are set to file charges against the communist guerrillas by Wednesday.
“We will be helping the Philippine National Police… It appears the plan to injure is deliberate,” said Colonel Norman Flores, commander of the 1002nd Brigade.
“We are in support of the PNP in getting data to expedite the case,” he said.
Charges being eyed against the communist rebels include illegal use of explosives and frustrated murder.
Pursuit operations continued against the rebels.
“We are exerting all our efforts. Our operations are continuous,” said Lieutenant Colonel Norman Zuniega of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion.
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