CAMP EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City – The Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peoples Army Terrorists (CNTs) once again violated the International Humanitarian Law as it attacked and burned civilian equipment yesterday in Sitio Kinalablaban, Brgy Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte.
Six (6) heavy equipment (backhoes) owned by general contractors of Platinum Group Metal Corporation (PGMC) were deliberately burned by members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) belonging to SYP16C1, GF16, NEMRC under Roel T. Neniell alias JACOB. Four (4) of the backhoes belong to CKDI construction while two (2) belong to Queens Construction.
In his statement, MGEN ROMEO S BRAWNER JR, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said that the recent atrocities conducted by the CNTs in Caraga are part of a grand plan to divert the government forces’ attention and disrupt the security operations against their armed group.
“The CNTs are on the run. They conduct atrocities whenever they are trapped hoping to ease up pressure from our troops that are relentlessly pursuing them”, MGen Brawner said.
MGen Brawner Jr stressed that the burning of said equipment will affect families as it is their source of livelihood. “This is obviously an anti-people act of the CNTs and will leave many people jobless. It is a blatant violation as civilian property cannot be a target of attack as stipulated under International Humanitarian law. We are once again saddened by these unnecessary destruction of equipment by the NPAs who for the longest time sabotage and disrupt the peace and development efforts of the government”.
“This is utter disregard and disrespect of IHL. This must be stopped. I urge the CPP-NPA to leave the people alone! They already suffer from all the terror you inflict upon them. Hence, we your Army, commit in bringing forth the perpetrators to justice as we continue to run after them and relentlessly pursue them”, MGen Brawner Jr added.
