GOVERNMENT troops seized 16 anti-personnel mines (APMs) of the New People’s Army in T’boli town in South Cotabato on Wednesday afternoon, the military reported yesterday.
In a statement, the military said the seizure of the banned mines effectively prevented possible attacks from the insurgents.
The APMs were seized in Sitio Silang, Barangay Maan in T’boli town based on information provided by residents and government militiamen.
“Troops promptly responded (to the information) and recovered 16 anti-personnel mines,” the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) said.
Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the army’s 603rd Brigade, said the APMs were manufactured by NPA rebels belonging to the Guerrilla Front 72, which he said is headed by alias Gawets.
“We prevented a potentially tragic incident that could have claimed many lives,” said Santos on the seizure of the APMs.
“The swift action of our countrymen and our soldiers is clear proof that when the community and government are working together, we can surely put a stop to the threat of terrorism,” added Santos.
6th ID commander Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran said the successful operation is “not only a victory of the military but the entire people.”
“It shows that our security depends on the cooperation of the community and the government. We will continue to conduct thorough operations to ensure peace and security in South Cotabato,” added Gumiran.
