CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City–The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemns communist terrorists who used anti-personnel mines (APMs) that killed five members of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) last September at the boundaries of Tagkawayan, Quezon and Labo, Camarines Norte.
According to AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, two other CAFGU members were wounded by the same APMs that killed CAA Ceasar Sales, CAA Jeffrey San Antonio, CAA Jomarie Guno, CAA John Ven Perez, and CAA Aldon James Rafa.
Ileto said the attack on government troops using APMs clearly showed the intent of communist terrorist groups to disrupt peace in communities and bring harm to individuals.
“The AFP condemns the use of banned APMs by the communist terrorists,” Ileto said. “Their attack on government troops and use of banned APMs proved once again their apt designation as a terrorist organization with their wanton disregard and continued violation of the International Humanitarian Law’s ban on the manufacture, transport, stockpile and use of anti-personnel mine.”
Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. visited the wake of the five CAFGU members last September 8 and recognized their heroic display of “unwavering dedication to safeguarding our nation, facing danger with unyielding resolve.”
Their remains were laid to rest on that same day in the newly inaugurated Himlayan ng mga Bayani at the Public Cemetery of Tagkawayan.