NPA attacks cause Eastern Mindanao firms to lose P246 M–AFP

Businesses in Eastern Mindanao lost around P246 million due to attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA), the military said on Wednesday.

“Construction companies, business firms and other industries in Eastern Mindanao lost an estimated amount of P246.12 million in damages for calendar year 2015 as a result of atrocities perpetrated by the NPA,” Captain Alberto Caber, public information officer of the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command said in a statement.

The cost of the damage were: P34.71 million for the first quarter; P34.58 million for the second quarter; P92.72 million for the third quarter; and P84.11 million pesos for the fourth quarter.

“If the CPP/NPA/NDF is sincere about peace and promoting the people’s interest, then they should immediately desist from attacking development projects and legitimate business, which serve the interest and provide gainful employment to our people,” Eastern Mindanao Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero was quoted as saying.

For their part, the AFP in the region has directed its troops to develop measures that would enhance the security of vital industries, projects and businesses.

The military also called on businessmen to report extortion activities of the communist rebels. A surge of these activities is expected with the upcoming elections.

“The NPA is using money derived from extortion to finance its armed struggle against government,” Caber said.