By RUBY P. SILUBRICO
ILOILO City — By setting off an improvised explosive device in Guimbal, Iloilo early this week, the New People’s Army (NPA) violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (Carhrihl), a military official said.
“We condemn this act in strongest terms,” Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division chief, stressed. “This is a blatant disregard of the Carhrihl, of which the communist group is a signatory.”
Two soldiers and two civilians were wounded in Tuesday’s explosion in Brgy. Nalundan, Guimbal.
A hot pursuit operation that the police conducted following the blast led to the arrest of two suspected NPA members: Jonathan Emolaga, 17, and Carl Sernicul, 20, both of Brgy. Alameda, Igbaras.
Recovered from them were a blasting cap attached to electrical wires, an electrical tester, a detonator, a Swiss knife, personal belongings, food items and a motorcycle.
Baladad appealed to the rebels to stop using improvised explosive devices, which harm not only soldiers but also innocent civilians.
Under the Carhrihl, parties involved in the agreement should affirm and apply the principles of international humanitarian law to protect civilians, especially persons deprived of their liberty for reasons related to armed conflict.
Carhrihl also guarantees the right against economic and food blockades, and indiscriminate bombings, shelling, strafing, gunfire, and use of land mines.
“Our people have been victimized, and a lot of properties have been damaged. How many people do they want to kill and harm? How many lives must be lost,” Baladad said.
For launching an attack to consciously cause incidental loss of life or injury, Baladad said, the rebels also violated Republic Act 9851, or Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law and Other Crimes Against Humanity, specifically Chapter III, Section 4 c.5.
Sergeant Ruben Dimzon and Corporal Allen Chris Grapa were onboard a military truck with others soldiers when the explosion occurred on Tuesday afternoon.
They were bound for Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan.
Dimzon and Gapa, both members of the 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB) based in Brgy. Quirayan, Miag-ao, sustained shrapnel wounds.
They were rushed to a hospital in Guimbal for treatment.
Melvin Depositario and Dexter Herradura, who were onboard a motorcycle a few meters away from the military truck, were also hit. They sustained minor wounds.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Aldwine Almase, 82IB commander, believes the NPA rebels intended not to specifically ambush the government troops but to inflict damage and harm.
Almase thanked the concerned residents who helped in the arrest of the suspects.
In March 2010, the NPA had set up two land mines near Igcabugao Elementary School in Igbaras. Soldiers conducting peace and development work recovered the explosives.
On March 26, 2012, three soldiers and two civilians were wounded when a land mine exploded in Brgy. Adgao, Tubungan./PN
