DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 26, 2011) – An improvised explosive went off inside a school compound in the southern Philippine city of Panabo, but there were no reports of casualties or injuries, officials said on Friday.
Officials said troops also discovered and disarmed four more landmines planted by the New People’s Army rebels at Tibungol Elementary School on Thursday.
Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon Paniza, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division, accused the rebels of targeting the school and said the NPA violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
“This shows the real identity of the NPAs. They are criminals, who care less of the safety and security of the civilians. This lawless armed group keeps on babbling about their respect for human rights violation but they’re acting inhumanely,” Paniza said.
“They are plain and simple criminals who should be rebuked and punished for their criminalities and this is what 10th Infantry Division is doing,” he added.
It was unknown whether the explosion was accidental or not, but human rights groups have previously accused government soldiers in the province of using schools as their patrol base and barracks.
The NPA is fighting for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
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