MANILA, Philippines - Earlier, news about two soldiers who died and four others being wounded in a landmine explosion planted by the NPAs, is quite disturbing. The team of soldiers were just conducting an outreach program in Barangay Sibulan in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur when the unfortunate incident happened.
I feel resentment towards these so-called revolutionaries for such heinous acts against soldiers. The soldiers were only conducting humanitarian assistance and were lending a helping hand to fellow Davaueños when the NPA treacherously detonated the landmines they planted. What would have happened if their victims were innocent civilians mainly children during the ongoing activity?
I spent almost 15 years in Davao City and there witnessed, soldiers conducting various people-oriented programs such as medical and dental missions and community outreach programs that not only helped my “kababayans” but promoted peace and development in the area. Their act of disrupting the peace by sowing terror gives the impression that they are in desperation.
We are heartened by the efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in reaching out to the people particularly in remote areas, putting forth to reality their so-called “Bayanihan”. We give our sincerest thanks to our soldiers for helping us, and condemn the NPAs for making our lives harder because of their violent acts.