Landmine kills 3 soldiers

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Three soldiers were killed yesterday when a landmine, believed to be planted by New People's Army (NPA) rebels, exploded in the hinterlands of Paquibato district in this city yesterday morning, the military said.

Maj. Jake Obligado, spokesman of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said the soldiers were on their way to a peace and development outreach program in Paquibato at around 8 a.m. when they stepped on the landmine.

“We condemn the use of landmines. We are a signatory to (the landmine ban), the NPA knows that and yet they continue with the impunity of using landmines,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said yesterday.