New People’s Army (NPA)-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command) Red fighters meted out punishment against the plundering and destructive operations of the company owned by the big comprador Limkaichong on February 8 in Barangay Aya, La Libertad, Negros Oriental. The unit paralyzed one dump truck, one steamroller, and two backhoes used in building a road for the mine and plantation. The total damage of the operation is estimated at ₱20 million.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the unit, refuted the claims of the military and local government that the so-called “farm-to-market road” is for the benefit of the people of Central Negros. He said the road will only speed up the entry of large corporations and business partners of the Limkaichongs into remote areas.

“This will facilitate the operation of large mines, commercial reforestation under the National Greening Program, plantations, and other projects that will destroy the environmnet and displace people in affected mountain communities,” Ka JB said.

Ka JB called on residents in La Libertad not to be deceived by the reactionary government’s policies and the fallacy that this will bring them “progress.” “The truth is clear, this only benefits the rich and not the majority of farmers,” he said.

This road is also expected to come with more intense militarization in the barangays and communities covered by La Libertad and neighboring cities and towns, both in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. Central Negros has been the center of rampant human rights violations across the island by the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Marcos regime.

The armed action of the NPA-Central Negros, one of five guerrilla fronts on the island of Negros, clearly contradicts the declaration of state of stable internal peace and security (SIPS) on the island on March 25, 2024. The declaration states that the NPA in Negros Island is wiped out or weak.