CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — The 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, here, strongly condemned, Saturday, 19 April, the continued use of Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs) by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northeastern Mindanao, seizing the said war materials by soldiers from the 65th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Sur, Caraga region.

Army Major Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division spokeperson, said that trooops troops from the 65th Infantry Battalion, under the operational control of the 4th ID, along with personnel from the Bayugan City Civilian Protection and Support and the Philippine National Police, in a joint operation, recovered several APMs, and other war materiel in the hinterlands of Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on 14 April 2025.

“This is in defiance of International Humanitarian Law, Martinez said, referring to the continued use by the remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northeastern Mindanao of the banned anti-personnel mines despite global prohibitions.”

“These terrorist groups persist in violating humanitarian laws, putting both civilians and government troops in constant danger,” he added.

Among the recovered items during the operation were three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two detonating cords,14 blasting caps, three AK-47 magazines, six rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and 24 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.

Troops also seized assorted medicines, subversive documents, two bandoliers, pack bags, and containers of rice and gasoline.

The discovery of these materials highlights the NPA’s continued reliance on banned anti-personnel mines and underscores the extent of their logistical operations hidden within civilian communities, he added.

Martinez said: “This security operation was made possible through the vigilance and timely reporting of concerned residents, underscoring the critical role of community cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts and maintaining local peace and order.”

Lt. Col. Ray Anthony A. Sisican, acting commanding officer of the 65th IB, emphasized that the continued use of anti-personnel mines by the NPA is a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law, particularly provisions that protect civilians from weapons causing unnecessary suffering and indiscriminate harm. “Once emplaced, these devices fail to distinguish between combatants and civilians, posing a persistent and deadly threat long after hostilities have ended in the area,” he added.

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, also exoressed his strong condemnation in the use of APMs, reiterating that such acts are clear violations of humanitarian law and put the lives of innocent civilians and government forces at risk.

Anayron said the 4th ID reaffirmed its commitment to protecting communities and ensuring peace and security in both Northern Mindanao and the Caraga regions. Through sustained cooperation with local government units, community leaders, and vigilant residents, the 4ID remains focused on keeping communities safe and neutralizing any threats to public safety and national security.