Army condemns NPA extortion

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division strongly condemned the recent New People’s Army (NPA) burning of a civilian property at Sitio Kalipay, Barangay San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon province.

The NPA attack destroyed an unfinished building and a storage room for cassava root crops owned by a certain King Ragandang Zayas, wasting millions worth of property and disrupting livelihoods of farmers and workers.

4th Infantry Division spokesperson Major Joe Patrick Martinez, in an exclusive interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, 8 April, confirmed speculations that the burning incident was borne out of the extorsion activities of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Bukidnon.

“Definitely, 100 percent, there is extortion activities. In fact, it’s very unusual that the perpetrators have to announced to the community what they did after burning the establishment. It was clearly to warn people there that they have to comply with their extortion activities or face the same or similar consequences,” Martinez said.

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of 4ID, who graced the inauguration and blessing of 4th ID’s Internet Broadcast Station, at the Division Public Affairs Office, Tuesday, 8 April, stated that these actions are counterproductive to the welfare of the community, which the NPA claims to have advocated for.

“The attack is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law, as it directly targets and destroys civilian property. It is a blatant act of terrorism designed to spread fear and disrupt peaceful communities. While advocating for the marginalized, the NPA’s destructive tactics only serve to marginalize further those they claim to defend. Building, not burning, is the path to true empowerment. The violent act only undermines legitimate grievances. Peaceful and constructive dialogue, not destruction, is the only way to address any kind of issue,” he said.

B/Gen. Anayron said that while there is no clear signs of connection between the CTGs and China, apart from communist ideology, there is a possibiity that it exists, based on their historical linkages.

Anayron urged communities to be vigiant though against China spying on Philippine soil and surroundings, even as he said that it has become part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to do dual work now — internal and external — to safeguard the Filipino people from aggressors and preserve the country’s sovereignty.

The NPA’s actions demonstrate their failure to respect the basic rights of civilians and their continued attempts to destabilize peace and security in the province, he added.

Troops of the 28th Infantry Battalion based in Malitbog, Bukidnon, along with the troops of 23rd Infantry Battalion, covering the hinterland areas of Barangay San Luis, Barangay Kiabo and Barangay Siloo of Malitbog and Barangay Santiago, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, are conducting a pursuit operation against the perpetrators and bring them to justice.