ZAMBOANGA CITY ? Philippine Army troops have recovered 17 anti-personnel mines (APMs) on Wednesday in a remote village of T’boli, South Cotabato.

APMs, designed to harm or kill individuals, can also be referred to as landmines, AP mines, or pressured-activated mines.

Lt. Col. Erikzen Dacoco, commander of the Army’s 105th Infantry Battalion, said Thursday that 16 APMs were recovered as the troops acted on reports of residents and militiamen about suspicious items found in Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay Maan, T’boli, South Cotabato.

Another explosive device of similar type was also found on the side of a road leading to Lake Maughan, known as the “Crown Jewel of the South” and is a popular destination for trekking, camping, swimming, and kayaking.

“We have prevented a potentially tragic incident that could have claimed many lives,” Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, said. DMS