Camarines Sur province became the scene of a deadly encounter on 2025/12/21 02:08:53, as landmines claimed the lives of two soldiers, just as a unilateral ceasefire was being considered by the government. The incident, blamed on the New People’s Army (NPA), casts a somber shadow over potential peace talks.
Landmine Kills Two Soldiers in Southern Philippines
Two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were killed and three others were wounded in a landmine explosion in Balatan, Camarines Sur on Monday, December 18, 2023.
- Two soldiers were killed and three wounded in a landmine blast in Camarines Sur.
- The new People’s Army (NPA) is suspected of carrying out the attack.
- The incident occurred amid discussions of a possible unilateral ceasefire.
- The military has condemned the attack and vowed to continue operations against the NPA.
The soldiers, whose identities have not been publicly released, were conducting operations in the vicinity of Barangay Gubat, Balatan, when they detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time,according to the 9th infantry Division. The blast resulted in the immediate deaths of two soldiers and injuries to three others.
The Philippine government and the NPA, which has been ongoing for over five decades, is one of the longest-running communist insurgencies in Asia. The NPA aims to overthrow the government and establish a communist state. Despite numerous attempts at peace negotiations over the years,a lasting resolution has remained elusive.
What is the NPA’s primary goal? The New People’s Army seeks to overthrow the Philippine government and establish a communist state through armed struggle.
The military has vowed to continue its operations against the NPA, despite the potential for a ceasefire. “We will not allow this fearful act to go unpunished,” Galido stated. “We will continue to pursue the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice.”
The wounded soldiers were instantly evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Their condition is currently stable, according to military officials. Investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and to identify those responsible.
The attack underscores the challenges facing the Philippine government in its efforts to achieve peace with the NPA.While the prospect of a ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, the NPA’s continued use of violence raises serious doubts about its commitment to a peaceful resolution.