Palace condemns NPA attack on Negros Airport site
Manila (9 October) -- Malacaņang condemned today as an "act of terrorism" the raid conducted by the New People's Army (NPA) on the construction site of the foreign-funded Bacolod Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental early Sunday morning.
In a statement, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye said the raid is not only "a direct assault on the people whose jobs are at stake in the construction of the airport," but also on the government's development vision designed to alleviate poverty.
"Acts like this clearly justify the people's strong and relentless campaign against the New People's Army as well as its inclusion in the international list of terrorist organizations," he added.
Published reports said about 30 communist guerrillas attacked the Japanese-funded international airport, destroying construction equipment with bombs and seizing guns from guards.
The Bacolod Airport project forms part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Super Regions program designed to bridge the country's 7,100 islands and spur economic growth and stability.
The rebels allegedly did not harm any workers but the raid could delay completion of the project by several months.
Bunye pointed out however that despite the setback, the government will not be deterred by the NPA's terroristic acts and will continue to be relentless in its campaign against lawless elements.
"The government will not be deterred by these barbarous acts. It will continue to press on with the measures to secure vital government projects in the country and to further intensify its counter-terrorism campaign in all fronts," he stressed. (PIA-MMIO) [top]
