By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Construction at the dam project operated by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City has been temporarily suspended following the attack by the New People’s Army (NPA) earlier this week.

Acting NIA division manager, Engr. Isaias Melendez, said operations at the site were hampered after rebels burned down contractor equipment, which comprised of a backhoe, a generator set, and a worker’s bunkhouse.

Melendez also denied accusations made by the NPA that claimed the project was hazardous to locals, pointing out, it went through the “proper process” and it was presented to local communities.

They also secured the required environmental compliance certificates for the project.

Melendez said construction would resume once the threat of attack has gone down.

The project was due for completion by the first quarter of 2019; however, due to the attack, it will now be delayed.

The Kabankalan City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also estimated damage from the attack to be around P6 million, while police are currently looking into the identities of the attackers, who face arson charges.

Earlier, the NPA Mt. Cansermon Command claimed responsibility for the attack, calling the project “dangerous” due to dredging activity./DGB, WDJ