JTF Bicolandia slams NPA on CamSur bomb attack

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Joint Task Force Bicolandia has condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for detonating an anti-personnel mine (APM) that wounded four civilians, including a minor, and a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Libmanan, Camarines Sur on Feb. 10.

MGen. Alex Luna, JTF Bicolandia commander, said the incident is a clear violation of the Anti-Terrorism Law and International Humanitarian Law.

We are reminding the public to be vigilant in their communities to ensure that any destructive move by the NPA could be avoided, Luna said.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol) director, has ordered the Libmanan municipal police to conduct a thorough investigation of the explosion.

A police report identified the wounded victims as “Jeffrey,” a minor; Melvin Acabado, 57, a resident of Barangay Mambulo Nuevo, Libmanan; Ria Ables, 19, of Barangay Gugon, Camaligan; Joseph de Lima, 28, of Barangay Sagrada, Minalabac; and John Lee Basangit, 26, a Cafgu member from Barangay Paolbo, Canaman.

Estomo assured the public that they would monitor any suspicious activity in the nearby villages and conduct an in-depth investigation of the incident.

We have assigned additional police personnel in the area to monitor suspicious and unusual activities and allay the fears of the residents. You do not have to worry because our police force is ready to defend you, he said.

Estomo also appealed to the public to give any information that could speed up their investigation. (With report from Bernadine Carretas, OJT/PNA)