NPA says burning of backhoes in response to plans for large-scale quarry operations

BACOLOD CITY – The New People’s Army (NPA) on Friday admitted it burned heavy equipment operated by Silay Mayor Mark Golez in Hacienda Vista in response to the people’s clamor to punish large-scale quarry operations which recently caused massive flooding in the area.

In a statement, the NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle Command (RJPC) in Northern Negros said they “paralyzed” three backhoes at the Malogo river quarry site.

Cecil Estrella, the group’s spokesperson, warned other entities that destroy the environment and cause harm to the people.

“These iniquitous practices gave other quarry operators the go signal to abuse the environment. There are hundreds of quarry operators in the 3rd District of Negros Occidental alone and around a thousand more have pending applications. The handful who hold legitimate permits violate the reactionary government’s flimsy regulations with impunity,” Estrella said.

Mayor Golez denied claims that he was engaged in quarry operations.

“I have no business interest to protect. I am engaged in purely public service,” he said

“It is clear that the rebels burned the heavy equipment to prevent progress,” he added.

Golez said he condemned the cruel and violent activities of all groups engaged in illegal activities, including the burning of the backhoes.

“There is no room for lies and abuse. Taking the law into one’s hands is not right. There is a God in this world,” he said.

CFC