RNC-NPA Claims Burning of Heavy Equipment in Negros Island
On July 6, the Romeo Nanta Command-New People’s Army (RNC-NPA) operating on Negros Island publicly took responsibility for setting fire to two dump trucks and a backhoe in Sitio Medel, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. The incident occurred late on the night of July 4.
The RNC-NPA stated that the destroyed equipment, valued at about P11 million according to their claim, belonged to a business owned by Carabalan’s village chief, Mildred Titular. Local fire authorities, however, estimated the loss to be around P9 million.
Community Impact and Justification
The rebel group justified their action by alleging that the heavy machinery was involved in a quarry operation that caused significant environmental damage. They said the operation severely deepened the Paniplan River, resulting in water shortages in nearby agricultural lands. This negatively affected local farmers’ livelihoods and made river crossings difficult for residents.
Highlighting their motive, the RNC-NPA described the burning as a “warning against prioritizing profit over human rights and community livelihoods.”
Investigation Underway
Fire Officer 2 Ronel Ivan Labansauan, chief investigator from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Himamaylan City, revealed that ash samples from the scene will be sent to the BFP national headquarters in Quezon City. The forensic examination aims to determine the fire’s cause and origin.
Local officials and fire authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. The incident has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict and its impact on communities in Negros Island.
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