The New People’s Army-North Central Mindanao Region (NPA-NCMR) on April 5 imposed sanctions on a businessman who was grabbing land from the Lumad in Barangay Siloo, Malitbog, Bukidnon. As a punitive measure for his offenses against the masses, the businessman’s building and machinery used for cassava processing and cassava chip production were set ablaze.

The businessman said the total damage to property amounted to at least ₱3 million. The people’s army also confiscated a firearm and two radios from the facility’s guards and personnel.

In the sanction operation, the Red fighters ensured the safety of workers and personnel at the facility. They were evacuated from the building, convened, and given the reason and importance of the armed offensive.

Malitbog Police Sergeant Graciano Temano himself stated that not a single worker was harmed during the sanction imposed by the people’s army.

Being an army of the exploited masses, the NPA adheres to strict discipline in its armed actions. The NPA complies with rules of warfare and respects international humanitarian law, in stark contrast to its adversary, the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The armed action was launched amid focus military operations (FMO), which have been ongoing for several months in communities in Bukidnon and across Mt. Pantaron Range.