BALATAN, Camarines Sur – Two Philippine Army soldiers were killed and three others wounded in a landmine explosion allegedly planted by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during military operations in Barangay Cabungan on Friday, December 19, 2025—the day before the communist group’s unilateral Christmas-New Year ceasefire took effect. The attack, condemned by the military as a violation of international humanitarian law on anti-personnel mines, has intensified pursuit operations in Bicol Region amid the NPA’s declared truce from December 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026.
The 9th Infantry Division (9ID) reported the soldiers from the 83rd Infantry Battalion were on patrol when the anti-personnel landmines detonated in a mountainous area. The blast killed two troops instantly, while three survivors were evacuated for treatment. “This barbaric act shows the NPA’s disregard for human life and the holiday spirit,” 9ID spokesperson Maj. Frank Roldan said, vowing intensified operations against the perpetrators.
The incident occurs amid the CPP-NPA’s announced unilateral truce for holiday celebrations and its founding anniversary, with rebels maintaining defensive posture. Military officials noted no government reciprocation, citing ongoing threats from the weakened but active group (estimated ~1,000 fighters nationwide).
Human rights advocates reiterated calls to ban landmines, a weapon prohibited under the Ottawa Treaty (which the Philippines ratified). The NPA has historically defended their use as “command-detonated” rather than victim-activated.
As families mourn the fallen soldiers during the holidays, the blast underscores lingering insurgency challenges in rural areas, even as truce declarations aim for temporary calm.
Incident Snapshot:
| Date | December 19, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location | Barangay Cabungan, Balatan, Camarines Sur |
| Casualties | 2 killed, 3 wounded |
| Alleged Perpetrators | NPA rebels |
| Truce Timing | Blast one day before NPA unilateral ceasefire (Dec 24-Jan 2) |