Galvez condemns burning of houses, chapel in Opol, Misamis Oriental by suspected NPAs

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. on Saturday condemned the recent burning of four houses and a chapel allegedly by Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army members.

In a statement, Galvez said the incident occurred on Thursday, May 28 in Opol, Misamis Oriental.

"There is no doubt that this incident is another dastardly act committed by the communist rebels whose only objective is to instill fear, anger and violence among village folk, the same people they profess to serve but in reality, they continue to use and abuse," he said.

Galvez lamented that the incident had to happen amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

"With the health crisis our nation is currently facing, who, in their right minds, would carry out such a devious, cowardly act? That instead of helping our marginalized brothers and sisters overcome this ordeal, their homes and place of worship are turned to ashes," he said.

Galvez said the communists cry for social justice but "are the main violators of human rights."

Galvez said the government will ensure the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

"The Duterte Administration would like to assure the people of Opol that it will exhaust all means possible in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. The long arm of the law will soon be upon them and justice will be served accordingly," Galvez said.

The Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office said the officers of the Opol Municipal Police Station received a report that a born again church and four civilian houses were burned in Zone 2, Limonda in Opol at around 3:30 a.m. on May 28.

The houses were allegedly burned by more or less 10 fully armed men believed to belong to the NPA's Ace Coy, SR65 under alias Decoy, police said.

Hot pursuit operations were immediately conducted and a probe was also launched.

The Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (MIS OR PPO) condemned the incident and said it was "a clear manifestation of [the NPA's] motive to pursue their lawless acts."

The incident, it said, "adds burden and suffering to the innocent civilians and the community as a whole amidst this COVID-19 pandemic."

"These atrocities are contrary to their claim of protecting the people," the MIS OR PPO said.

Police Colonel Robert Roy Bahian, provincial director of MIS OR PPO, gave the assurance that security measures are in place and being implemented to ensure safety of all potential targets. —KG, GMA News