NPA blamed for banana plantation blast in ComVal

MANILA, Philippines – Members of the New People’s Army (NPA) are believed to be behind the explosions in a banana plantation in Maragusan, Compostela Valley on Saturday, July 4.

In a statement released on Sunday, July 5, the Army’s 10th infantry division said the explosion took place at the bridge leading to the entrance of the plantation’s hangar airstrip, which caused minor damage to an aircraft.

Major General Eduardo M Año, commander of the 10th Infantry Agila Division, believes extortion from the NPA is the primary motive behind the incident.

“We’re looking at extortion as motive since the banana plantations are among the favorite targets of their front 27,” Año said.

He narrated that there were only two security guards on duty that night and that they were not able to recognize the number of NPA bandits who attacked the plantation.

“It is possible that there really is a plan to either burn the building or cut down the banana trees,” he added.

Año said he has already ordered ground units to intensify close coordination with local government officials, local police stations, and company security officers to solve the case.

“These CPP-NPA’s banditry attacks against civilian entities which are non-military targets will not go unpunished,” Año said. – Rappler.com