Seven soldiers from the 8th Infantry Battalion were wounded after they were hit by an anti-personnel landmine, along with one civilian vehicle with volunteers, while passing at the vicinity of Sitio Nasandigan, Barangay Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon yesterday.
Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, the commander of 8th Infantry Battalion, said the convoy was led by 1Lt. Angelo Francis Vinuya.
Illana said a dump truck, containing foreign and local volunteers from Higaonon Amamag Malandang Olandok Gagaw (Hamog), a non-government organization which intent to promote cultural preservation, was driving to Barangay Kalabugao when they were attacked by the NPA members.
Following the explosion, they were peppered with bullets and the attack lasted for 40 minutes.
With 11 foreign delegates who will observe the activity, the NGO was supposed to conduct a forest visitation for their “Paunlay Taaghimicu” (forest visitation phase II).
Republic Act 9851 penalizes crimes against International Humanitarian law , genocide, and other crimes against humanity, organizing jurisdiction, designating special courts and for related purposes. Reportedly, foreign volunteers from Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia were present during the attack.
The battalion commander said the attack resulted in seven wounded in action on the government side. He also said the civilian volunteers were brought to safety with no reported casualty.
The troops of the 8th IB are pursuing the rebels.
