By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) Leonardo Panaligan Command released a statement over the weekend claiming responsibility for the recent arson incidents involving farm equipment in La Castellana, Negros Occidental and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

In a statement by spokesperson Ka JB Regalado, the cane truck owned by Lito Alvillar in Canlaon City and a farm tractor owned by Jorge Vargas in La Castellana were set on fire in response to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urging the NPA in Negros to surrender, calling it a “deceitful” and likening it to a “psy-war.”

Regalado claimed Alvillar and Vargas were not listening to the complaints of their workers who are impoverished.

He added, “Workers are pouring their blood and sweat, just for them to feed and educate their children.”

Earlier, 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) civil military officer, Captain Ruel Llanes, confirmed the attack on a farm tractor in La Castellana was perpetrated by NPA rebels.

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, an investigation is still ongoing.

Llanes added, the army is continuing operations in the area due to NPA presence./DGB, WDJ