Troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB), 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, discovered two anti-personnel mines during a combat patrol in the hinterlands of Barangay Sag-od, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on August 13, 2026, according to the Philippine Army.
The devices, classified as anti-personnel mines, are explicitly banned under the Ottawa Convention — formally known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction — to which the Philippines is a signatory State Party.
Mines Found During Active Combat Patrol in Las Navas
The discovery was made as 20IB soldiers conducted focused security operations in the remote barangay of Sag-od within Las Navas, a municipality in Northern Samar. The Philippine Army attributed the presence of the banned weapons to Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) remnants operating in the area.
The military said the mines were recovered before they could be detonated, potentially preventing casualties among troops and nearby civilians.
20IB Commander Cites Troop Vigilance
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Clavel, in a statement released by the unit, commended his soldiers for the find.
"The recovery of these anti-personnel mines underscores the continuing threat posed by unlawful explosive devices to our troops and, more importantly, to innocent civilians. We commend our troops for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the discovery of these explosives before they could potentially cause harm."
— Lt. Col. Tim Clavel, Commanding Officer, 20th Infantry Battalion
Lt. Col. Clavel further assured the public that the 20IB will continue to conduct focused security operations to prevent the use of explosive devices and help ensure the safety of communities throughout Northern Samar.
8th Infantry Division Condemns CTG Use of Banned Weapons
The 8th Infantry Division (8ID), in a separate statement issued from Camp Lukban in Catbalogan City, Samar, condemned the continued possession and potential deployment of anti-personnel mines by CTG remnants, stressing that such weapons place civilians in unnecessary danger.
"The presence of anti-personnel mines in conflict-affected areas is a serious threat to the safety of the communities. Their indiscriminate nature can endanger anyone who may inadvertently encounter them, including civilians."
— 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
The division stated it will remain steadfast in its mission to protect communities, uphold International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and support the government's efforts toward the attainment of Stable Internal Peace and Security throughout Eastern Visayas.
Ottawa Convention Prohibits Such Devices Outright
Anti-personnel mines are among the most condemned weapons under international law due to their indiscriminate and long-lasting effects. The Ottawa Convention, which the Philippines ratified, obligates State Parties to cease use, destroy stockpiles, and clear mined areas.
According to the Philippine Army, the CTG's continued use of these devices represents a direct violation of IHL, as the weapons cannot distinguish between combatants and non-combatants — posing a persistent hazard to farmers, residents, and security forces operating in hinterland communities long after initial placement.
By the Numbers
- 2 — anti-personnel mines discovered during the patrol
- 1 — barangay affected: Barangay Sag-od, Las Navas, Northern Samar
- August 13, 2026 — date of the discovery
Why This Matters
Anti-personnel mines are internationally banned weapons whose indiscriminate nature endangers civilians and security personnel alike, often for years or decades after they are laid. The Philippine Army's discovery in Northern Samar highlights an active threat to hinterland communities in Eastern Visayas, where CTG remnants continue to deploy prohibited ordnance in defiance of international humanitarian law. The 8th Infantry Division has committed to sustained security operations to locate and neutralize such devices before they cause casualties.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army / 8th Infantry Division