Seoul: All police units in Camarines Sur and nearby provinces have been placed on high alert and instructed to intensify security operations against communist rebels following a landmine blast that resulted in the death of two soldiers and injuries to three others.
According to Philippines News Agency, the acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., stated that police units are not only assisting local military forces in pursuit operations but are also actively investigating the incident. The police are preparing appropriate charges against those involved in the attack. Lt. Gen. Nartatez expressed condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers, highlighting the personal impact such losses have on the PNP due to their involvement in the anti-insurgency campaign.
The explosion occurred on December 19 in Barangay Cabungan, Balatan town. In response to the incident, Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete conveyed his sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers. He assured them of the PA's unwavering support, emphasizing that while their support cannot replace the lives lost, the sacrifices made by the soldiers will not be forgotten. Lt. Gen. Nafarrete also affirmed the PA's commitment to achieving justice and restoring peace in honor of the soldiers who perished.
