Marihatag: Army troops recovered two anti-personnel mines planted near a civilian foot trail in Surigao del Sur, military officials reported Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 75th Infantry Battalion discovered the explosives during a patrol on November 15 in Barangay San Pedro, Marihatag town. Lt. Col. Earl Pardillo, the battalion commander, condemned the use of the mines, labeling it as a ‘grave violation of International Humanitarian Law.’

Pardillo emphasized the potential danger to civilians, stating, ‘Even children could have been the victims,’ as the trail is regularly used by residents. The recovered explosives are now in secure custody for disposal by Army ordnance teams.