TACLOBAN CITY – The 74th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Siljagon, Mapanas, Northern Samar discovered three anti-vehicle mines (AVM) owned by the New People's Army.

MAP of Mapanas, Northern Samar
One of these was surrendered to the Army by Regan, a former NPA member. The two other Improvised Explosive Devices were recovered during an intelligence operation in Sitio Canmolo, Barangay Siljagon.
These AVMs were turned over on Tuesday, February 6, to the Mapanas Police Station for proper disposition.

TWO anti-vehicles mines were discovered by troops in Northern Samar. (Military photo)
Capt. Jefferson Mariano, chief of the 8th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, disclosed that these IEDs could have been used against the government forces to prevent them from mobilizing during operations.
"They lay them on the most possible approach to their lair to prevent the troops from penetrating the area, which is an inhumane and degrading act," Mariano said.
Mariano condemned the use of IEDs by the NPA due to the indiscriminate nature upon detonation that has caused the loss of limbs and life just like in the ambush in Borongan City on December 13, 2019 that left two civilians and a lawman dead.
He added that the NPA’s continued use of landmines and IEDs is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as they also kill and maim civilians.