• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command Northern Negros Guerilla Front yesterday issued a statement claiming responsibility for the burning of an additional three cane trucks, owned by Teotimo Ballesteros on December 26, in Sitio Carbon, Brgy. San Isidro, Toboso.
The latest arson incident came almost two weeks after two other cane trucks owned by Ballesteros were also set ablaze by a group of armed in Brgy. Tabun-ak, Toboso.
According to the Toboso police, the three engines of Isuzo SKW cane trucks were set ablaze by still unidentified perpetrators.
The estimated damage has not been determined yet as of this time, although a report of the Philippine Army stated that the three trucks suffered minor damage.
The police refused to elaborate details on the latest arson incident in Toboso, for still unknown reasons.
In a statement, rebel spokesperson Ka Cecille Estrella also said that they were responsible for the burning of two cane trucks of Ballesteros on Dec. 14.
Estrella said that the latest arson incident was in response to the call of the Communist Party of the Philippines to conduct military offensives in areas within their guerilla zone, which includes the sugarcane farm of Ballesteros.
The rebel spokesperson alleged that a complete disregard of repeated calls for a wage increase due to his farm workers makes him a legitimate target for NPA sanctions.*
