Soldier injured in bomb blast

CEBU, Philippines – Two days before the government's unilateral ceasefire takes effect today, members of the New People's Army set off an improvised explosive device in Tubungan town of Iloilo.

The blast wounded Private First Class Ronald Minguillo, of the 3rd Infantry Division's Reconnaisance Company, who suffered a shrapnel wound on his left wrist.

Minguillo and several other soldiers were traversing Barangay Sibukawan, one kilometer from the town proper, when the bomb went off at around 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Shortly after the explosion, a gun fire was heard.

The soldiers, who were on board two military trucks, quickly took cover and extricated from the area. "The village is populated. If our soldiers will engage in a gun fight, some residents might get hurt as it was very dark," said Major Ray Tiongson, spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 3rd ID.

The incident happened after two military trucks transported soldiers to another village in Tubungan town. After leaving the troops, Minguillo and several other soldiers went back to the camp, and this time the rebels set off the IED.

"We believe that they (NPA) have no intention to engage our soldiers in a gun fight. They want to inflict harm by setting off a bomb at a populated area," Tiongson said.

Meanwhile, the 3rd ID scored the NPA for its alleged wanton use of explosives, in violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, of which the communist group was a signatory.

Tiongson said the 3rd ID troops are now on defense stance following the government's one month ceasefire declaration with the NPA. With the unilateral declaration of the suspension of military operations and suspension of police operations against the insurgents, offensive operations will be suspended from December 18, this year to Janaury 19, next year.

"As we abide by the policies of the SOMO, I hope the NPA will also declare its own ceasefire if it really wants peace," added Tiongson.