THE military last Monday denounced the New People’s Army’s (NPA) burning of a cassava milling facility in Malitbog, Bukidnon, calling it a “blatant act of terrorism.”
“The attack is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law, as it directly targets and destroys civilian property,” said Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
On Saturday, a group of NPA rebels burned the facility owned by King Ragandang Zayas in Sitio Kalipay, Barangay San Luis in Malitbog, destroying millions of pesos worth of property.
The attack also disrupted the livelihood of workers, said Anayron.
“It is a blatant act of terrorism designed to spread fear and disrupt peaceful communities,” said Anayron.
“While advocating for the marginalized, the NPA’s destructive tactics only serve to further marginalize 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 issue,” added Anayron.
The 4th ID said it “strongly condemns” the attack, which it said “has no place in a peace-loving community of Bukidnon,” adding this “will not go unpunished.”
“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,” the 4th ID said in a statement on Monday night.
It said troops from the 28th and 23rd infantry battalions have been deployed to conduct pursuit operations against the perpetrators and “bring them to justice.”
