Milan: The Philippine Army's 48th Infantry Battalion (48IB) has strongly criticized the communist New People's Army (NPA) for putting residents at risk by accumulating improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near a community in Butuan City. The discovery of these dangerous materials was made in Purok 6, Barangay Bugsukan on September 11, after a former NPA member surrendered and disclosed the location.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 48IB troops recovered significant quantities of explosives at the site, including 20 kilograms of ammonium nitrate in a white plastic container, 15 kilograms in a black plastic container, four blasting caps with detonating cords, and two 40-meter lengths of electric wire. These materials, if detonated, could cause damage and casualties within a 50-meter radius, posing a substantial threat to the nearby barangay, as stated by 48IB commander Lt. Col. Kenny Rae Tizon.
Tizon praised the cooperation of alias "Julia," a former member of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA, who revealed that NPA leaders had coerced them into stockpiling the explosives near populated areas. Tizon highlighted that the use and accumulation of landmines contravene the Ottawa Convention or the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, which the Philippines is a signatory to. This treaty prohibits the production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of anti-personnel mines due to their potential indiscriminate harm to civilians, including children.
Col. Manuel Darius Resuello, acting commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde), stressed the Army's primary concern is the safety of communities and residents. He stated, "We will not allow these communist terrorist groups (CTGs) to continue terrorizing and harming innocent civilians. Our unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of our fellow Caraganons drives us to intensify our efforts in defeating the remaining CTG threats in our areas of responsibility."
The 48IB operates under the operational control of the 901Bde in parts of Butuan City, as well as in Sibagat and Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur.