CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has strongly condemned the recent attack through burning of a civilian property by the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist group at Sitio Kalipay, Brgy. San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon on April 5, 2025.
The reprehensible act targeted an unfinished building and a storage room (bodega) for cassava root crops owned by a certain King Ragandang Zayas, leaving millions worth of property in ashes and livelihoods disrupted.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of 4ID, stated the arson attack not only destruct a business establishment but also deprive local workers of their livelihoods. These actions are counterproductive to the welfare of the community, which the NPA claims to have advocated for.
“The attack is a clear violation of the 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. While advocating for the marginalized, the NPA’s destructive tactics only serve to marginalize further those they claim to defend. Building, not burning, is the path to true empowerment. The violent act only undermines legitimate grievances. Peaceful and constructive dialogue, not destruction, is the only way to address any kind of issue,” he said.
The 4ID stresses that these cowardly attacks have no place in the peace-loving community of Bukidnon and will not go unchallenged. The NPA’s actions demonstrate their failure to respect the basic rights of civilians and their continued attempts to destabilize peace and security in the province.
Moreover, troops of the 28th Infantry Battalion based in Malitbog, Bukidnon along with the troops of 23rd Infantry Battalion covering the hinterland areas of Brgy. San Luis, Brgy. Kiabo and Brgy. Siloo of Malitbog and Brgy. Santiago, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon are conducting a pursuit operation against the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
