The New People’s Army in Bukidnon conducted armed actions to drive away operating troops of the police and military which have been terrorizing Lumad communities in the province.

The Lumad communities have specifically complained against the checkpoints which have been used by the military and police to restrict their movement either to go to work in their farms or when they buy foodstuff and other needs. A de facto economic blockade is imposed on the area. Many have complained of their food being stolen or impounded by those manning checkpoints on claims that these are “NPA supplies.”

In response to the complaints of the people, NPA Red fighters lobbed a grenade at the police checkpoint in Barangay Cabulohan in Cabanglasan last June 1. Two police personnel manning the checkpoint were wounded.

About 275 soldiers have been scouring Barangay Cabulohan and three more Cabanglasan barangays since the third week of May. Checkpoints, manned by police and military personnel conducted arbitrary searches, arrests and detention of residents.

The following day, June 2, the NPA attacked a responding unit of the police force in Barangay Mandaing. Six military trucks immediately responded to the incident and cordoned off the area.