NPA claims Himamaylan farm equipment burning

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The New People’s Army has claimed responsibility for the burning of six pieces of heavy equipment worth PHP 7 million at Hacienda Baling in Barangay Libacao, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

In a statement, the Romeo Nanta Command–NPA South Central Negros Guerrilla Front said it sanctioned the agricultural farm for allegedly exploiting farmworkers who were reportedly receiving low wages.

Most of the workers, the group said, have spent their entire lives tilling the land and have been denied even the most basic benefits.

“Let this serve as a blistering warning. Your wealth is not a shield, and your private security forces and the military state agents who are defending you are but paper tigers,” the rebel group said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Himamaylan City reported that three cane loaders and two tractors were totally damaged, while one tractor was partially damaged.

Despite the NPA’s admission, the BFP said it could not yet determine whether the incident should be classified as arson because fire scene specimens had been submitted to the fire laboratory to establish the cause.

Police investigation showed that while a farm manager was inspecting the compound late Sunday night, he noticed a fire had started from a tractor parked near the fuel storage area.

The fire then spread to nearby agricultural machinery.

Firefighters declared the fire out at 1:50 a.m. Monday.

No injuries were reported.