THE 4th Infantry Division (4ID) condemned the recent burning of civilian property in Malitbog, Bukidnon, by a group from the New People's Army (NPA).
In a statement released by newly appointed 4ID spokesperson Patrick Martinez, the military reported that NPA members attacked Sitio Kalipay in Barangay San Luis, Malitbog, on April 5.
They targeted an unfinished building and a cassava storage facility owned by King Ragandang Zayas, destroying millions of pesos worth of property and disrupting local livelihoods.
Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 4ID, said the arson attack not only destroyed a business establishment but also deprived local workers of their source of income.
“These actions are counterproductive,” Anayron said, adding that the incident endangers the very communities the NPA claims to protect.
“The attack is a clear violation of international humanitarian law, as it directly targets and destroys civilian property. It is a blatant act of terrorism designed to spread fear and disrupt peaceful communities,” he added.
“While advocating for the marginalized, the NPA’s destructive tactics only serve to further marginalize those they claim to defend. Building, not burning, is the path to true empowerment.”
The 4ID emphasized that such attacks have no place in Bukidnon’s peace-loving communities and will not go unchallenged.
According to the statement, the NPA's actions demonstrate a continued disregard for civilian rights and an attempt to destabilize peace and security in the province.
Troops from the 28th Infantry Battalion, based in Malitbog, along with the 23rd Infantry Battalion, are conducting pursuit operations in the hinterland areas of Barangays San Luis, Kiabo, Siloo in Malitbog, and Barangay Santiago in Impasug-ong, to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
