The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for burning a civilian property in Sitio Kalipay, Brgy. San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon on April 5, 2025.
According to military reports, the NPA torched an unfinished building and a cassava storage room owned by farmer King Ragandang Zayas. The attack left millions worth of property in ashes and disrupted the livelihood of local residents.
Major General Michele Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4ID, described the arson as a violation of International Humanitarian Law. He emphasized that the act, which targeted civilian structures, was “a blatant act of terrorism” meant to instill fear and disrupt peaceful communities.
“These actions contradict their claims of advocating for the poor,” Anayron said. “Instead of uplifting lives, they are destroying them. True empowerment comes through building, not burning.”
The 4ID stressed that such attacks have no place in a peace-loving society and vowed that these will not go unchallenged.
Pursuit operations are underway. Troops from the 28th and 23rd Infantry Battalions are now tracking down the perpetrators across the hinterlands of Malitbog and Impasug-ong in Bukidnon.
The Philippine Army reiterated its commitment to defend communities against violence and uphold peace and order in the region.
