Military slams arson incident by Reds in Negros Occidental

From GMA News Online (Mar 1): Military slams arson incident by Reds in Negros Occidental

The military on Thursday condemned the arson incident allegedly perpetrated by members of the New People's Army (NPA) in La Castellana, Negros Occidental on February 27.

"These communist-terrorists keep bragging that they are fighting for the people's welfare yet their actions contradict their words," said Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division, noting that the reason for this act is probably extortion.

Dolina deemed the incident as a "barbaric act and a clear indication of economic sabotage."

Initial investigation said four armed communists had set on fire a farm tractor owned by a certain Jorge Vargas in Hacienda Conchita, Barangay Sag-ang at 3:45 p.m.

Manuel Jamandre Jr., driver of the tractor, immediately reported the incident to authorities. He added that the rebels were armed with .45 caliber and KG9 mm automatic pistols.
Authorities said communists had also torched a 10-wheeler used by farmers in hauling harvested sugarcane in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental last February 22.

Dolina hailed the owners of the tractor and truck for refusing to be bribed by terrorsists.

Dolina urged residents to renounce the communists' demands and keep informing authorities about the movements and forced taxation activities of the group.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/645104/military-slams-arson-incident-by-reds-in-negros-occidental/story/