4th Infantry Division condemns series of NPA attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19): 4th Infantry Division condemns series of NPA attacks

The 4th Infantry Division, which is based in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan De Oro City, on Friday has strongly condemned the series of attacks of the New People's Army (NPA) against civilians and communities in its area of jurisdiction early this week.

In the same vein, the unit also vowed swift retribution against the rebels who conducted series of abductions and burnings of equipment in the municipalities of Tagbina, Surigao Del Sur; Loreto and San Luis, Agusan del Norte; Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and in Quezon, Bukidnon.

In Quezon, Bukidnon, NPA fighters established a checkpoint and shot the windshield of a passing truck wounding one innocent civilian in the process.

The rebels also burned the mini-packing station of Agrinanas Farm at Barangay Capehan, Quezon, Bukidnon leaving an estimated an P1.5 million worth of damage to properties aside from rendering jobless the community members in the area.

Major Leo E. Bongosia, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said these attacks are contrary to the claims of the NPAs that the business firm is bringing damage to the natural environment.

"The criminal acts of burning are clear violation to human rights. The only clear reason for the burning is the extortion demands by the NPA rebels that were not met by the investment firms. Moreover, the burning greatly affects the lives of the people of the surrounding community,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=517965