By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303 IB) yesterday confirmed the attack on a farm tractor in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, last Monday, was perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA).

303IB Civil Military Officer, Captain Ruel Llanes, said the four gunmen are members of the NPA Central Negros Front.

Llanes condemned the actions, pointing out the NPA are now engaging in atrocities and extortion activity because they are losing support in the area.

He also confirmed both the military and La Castellana municipal police are now eyeing several persons of interest, however, investigation is still ongoing.

Llanes added, the army will conduct further military operations in the area due to the NPA presence.

Earlier, tractor operator Manuel Jamandre was approached by four armed NPA members, who forced him out of the vehicle.

The gunmen then opened the fuel tank and set it on fire.

Afterwards, one of the suspects shot his weapon twice in the air, while another threw a fragmentation grenade two meters from the tractor./DGB, WDJ