Dayanghirang slams violent attack by NPA in his district

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 4): Dayanghirang slams violent attack by NPA in his district

A CITY councilor has condemned the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) for burning 10 construction heavy equipment in different areas in the city last March 31.

Third District Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, in his privilege speech, said the burning was disguised as an act of nationalism in pursuit of the Communist ideology. He said all the atrocities and harassment committed by the NPA in his area must stop.

“I hope that the leadership of the NDF (National Democratic Front) will review its methodology and its strategy,” he said, adding that there’s no way the “destruction of property can advance the interest of the Filipino people.”

Based on the police report, at around 11 p.m. Saturday, rebels burned four dump trucks and one backhoe owned by Leonard Trucking Services (LTS) in Barangay Callawa, Buhangin District. Reportedly, the company refused to pay revolutionary tax, which led to the attack to serve as a lesson.

Then the armed men commandeered a four-wheeled vehicle and proceeded to Sitio Sta. Maria, Barangay Fatima, Paquibato Dstrict, and burned two heavy equipment, with the cost of damage pegged at P15 million.

The report added that around eight armed men trooped to Barangay Dalagdag in Calinan and burned a backhoe unit worth more or less P8 million.

The separate incidents happened during Black Saturday, or a couple of days after the NPA celebrated its 50th anniversary last March 29.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, on Monday issued a statement condemning the incidents.

“Let me reiterate my previous appeal to the people of Davao and to our partners in the peace and development movement— let us support our soldiers and police and let us openly condemn NPA as a terrorist group, the statement read.

Previously, the Davao City government has proposed a localized peace talks with the NPA rebels operating within its territorial bounds. However, the plan was scuttled when the administration of President Duterte started the legal proceeding to declare the armed movement as a terrorist group.

Mayor Duterte said there’s no more sense to talk to the NPA because the government doesn’t negotiate with terrorists.

http://mindanaotimes.net/dayanghirang-slams-violent-attack-by-npa-in-his-district/