The Philippine Army (PA) on Saturday, Dec. 20, expressed condolences to the families of two soldiers killed when anti-personnel mines (APMs) were allegedly detonated by New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Balatan, Camarines Sur.

According to the military, elements of the 9th Infantry Battalion (9IB), 9th Infantry Division (9ID) were conducting security operations in the hinterlands of Barangay Cabungan on Friday, Dec. 19, when the communist rebels detonated the APMs.

The military has yet to identify the fatalities pending notice to their families. Three other soldiers were also hurt in the attack.

PA Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said the fallen soldiers “fought valiantly against the violence and treachery of those who destroyed the peace” in the area.

“We honor their courage and dedication. Their sacrifice strengthens our resolve to continue our mission in service of the Filipino people,” he said.

The PA assured the families of the slain and wounded soldiers that support and assistance would be extended to them.

“This may not replace the lives of your loved ones but their sacrifices will not be in vain. We will not stop until we achieve justice and restore the peace they died to protect,” Nafarette added.

The PA also renewed its call for remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and surrender.

“Cease your terroristic ways and instead join our efforts towards sustainable peace. Your ways of violence will not be tolerated, and the troops of the Philippine Army will continue its pursuit of justice,” Nafarrete noted.

Meanwhile, the 9ID said the use of anti-personnel mine is strictly prohibited under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). It's use is prohibited because it cannot distiguish between combatants and civilians. Once deployed, they remain active and can detonate long after a conflict ends, often harming innocent civilians.

“This incident is a blatant violation of the international rules of war and clearly shows the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA’s disregard for life, human rights, and the safety of innocent civilians who continue to be placed at risk by their terroristic activities,” 9ID spokesperson Major Frank Roldan said.

Roldan said the 9ID remains committed to holding all those responsible for the attack accountable under the law.

He also maintained that the 9ID’s operations in rural areas will continue to preserve order and ensure the safety and security of residents in Camarines Sur and the rest of the Bicol Region.

The CPP earlier announced a four-day unilateral ceasefire from 12 a.m. of Dec. 25 to 11:59 p.m. of Dec. 26, and from 12 a.m. of Dec. 31 to 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 1 in time for the holiday season.

However, the truce was rejected by the leaderships of the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as they vowed to sustain intense military operations against the rebel group.