Robert C. Dejon | February 21, 2022
The 8th Forward Service Support Unit (8FSSU), Army Support Command (ASCOM) of the Philippine Army conducted an emergency disposal of captured landmines and other munitions around 7AM February 16 at Brgy. Maligaya, Sta. Rita, Samar.
In a press release from the 8th Infantry (Stromtrooper) Division last February 19, 8ID and Joint Task Force (JTF) Storm Spokesperson Capt. Ryan Layug disclosed that the 112 destructive and high explosive materials are consisting of anti-vehicle mines, anti-personnel mines, ready to assemble anti-personnel mines and other lethal munitions not included in the Philippine Army’s inventory.
He said that the high-explosive materials that were disposed were already aging and badly deteriorating which makes it unsafe to keep for an extended period of time. He said that the area where the IEDs were disposed was a secluded far-flung area in Brgy. Maligaya which is also considered a part of the military reservation domain.
8FSSU ASCOM Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Francis Señoron explained that the detonation was carried out in compliance with the Philippine Army’s commitment to the Mine Ban Treaty. The said treaty aims at eliminating anti-personnel landmines globally while prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of such.
The said disposal was witnessed by members of the local media, the Local Government Unit of Sta. Rita, Samar and other agencies as to uphold transparency.
"We have seen deterioration so we have to dispose these landmines para maiwasan yung magiging pinsala niya against personnel and facilities. We invited others for this activity to widely disseminate awareness sa mga taong pinaglilingkuran namin, na ito yung itsura ng landmines at kapag nakita nila ito they have to report it to the proper authorities para ma aksyonan agad. Hindi sila makakapag report kung hindi nila alam ang mga ito, that's why ito ang critical role ng media on recognition and safety awareness sa mga tao natin, kapag mas maraming nakakaalam mas mapapanatili nating ligtas ang sino man mula sa pinsalang maaari nitong maidudulot." Señoron stressed.
"Unless in very close proximity, anti-personnel mines do not directly kill their victims. What it does is internal hemorrhage because of shockwave and continuous bleeding caused by shrapnel, it does prolong the suffering of its victims. It also doesn’t choose its victims, women or children; this is the reason why it was banned" Señoron pointed out.
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