Dureza blasts fiery NPA attacks in Davao

DAVAO CITY — Efforts to revive the stalled peace talks between the government and communist insurgents received a setback after members of the New People’s Army (NPA) torched P65-million worth of heavy equipment in three remote barangays in Davao City on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, according to the President’s peace adviser, Jesus Dureza.

“We condemn in the strongest way the senseless destruction of heavy equipment … over the last few days by suspected armed elements of the [NPA],” Dureza said.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the “cowardly” attacks manifested the NPA’s terrorist character. —Allan Nawal, Frinston Lim and Leila B. Salaverria