By Priam Nepomuceno/PNA
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday strongly condemned the latest atrocity of the New People’s Army (NPA) when rebels torched and destroyed heavy equipment, vehicles and other facilities of the Santa Clara Hydro Power Plant in Barangay Malvar, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
“The AFP strongly condemns this cowardly and treacherous attack on civilians especially that they (the people) stand to benefit from the electrification that the project will bring to the community. To gain access to the company premises, the communist terrorists posed as government security forces by wearing military and police uniforms,” AFP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters.
The incident, which took place 4:30 p.m. Monday, resulted in the destruction of 11 heavy equipment and vehicles and four other facilities of the power plant.
“The attackers belonging to MRGU, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee deprived the people of the opportunity to live in a barangay powered by electricity where the children may enjoy some amenities to advance their learning and education,” Arevalo added.
The AFP spokesperson added that this attack proves that NPA are nothing but a bunch of depraved criminals who lust for the destruction of the future of the poor and indigenous peoples, particularly of the communities in Naujan.
The NPA is listed as a terror organization in the United States and European Union.
Arevalo added that AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal is urging all Filipinos to reject these terrorists masquerading as champions of the masses.
Also, the AFP chief called on the remaining NPA rebels to “to give premium to the welfare and interest of the people of Mindoro and their families; mend their ways and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of government than obey the evil dictates of their benighted CPP-NPA leaders.”
