SIX heavy equipment in an agricultural farm were destroyed by the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Libacao, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, March 8. (BFP-Himamaylan)
BACOLOD CITY – Authorities are probing the burning of six heavy equipment worth a total of P7 million in a farm in Hacienda Baling, Barangay Libacao, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, March 8.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Himamaylan reported that three cane loaders and two tractors were completely destroyed while another tractor was partially damaged.
Police investigation revealed that a farm manager conducting a late-night inspection on Sunday noticed a fire starting from a tractor parked near the fuel storage area inside the compound.
The flames quickly spread to nearby agricultural equipment. Firefighters declared fire out at around 1:50 a.m. on Monday, March 9. No injuries were reported.
The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the burning. They accused the agricultural farm of exploiting farm workers who allegedly are paid very low wages.
Despite this claim, the BFP said it has not yet determined if the incident will be officially classified as arson.
Arson investigators have submitted specimens to the fire laboratory to establish the exact cause of the blaze.