In a shocking incident of arson, three pieces of heavy machinery and a dump truck were set ablaze in the secluded Sitio Manghuya of Barangay Aya, La Libertad, Negros Oriental, on the night of February 8, 2025. The equipment belonged to a construction company tasked with building a farm-to-market road. The fire, which occurred between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., was reportedly started by unidentified armed individuals using gasoline. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) is actively investigating the case, with Lt. Stephen Polinar stating that the motive and identities of the perpetrators remain unknown. The crime scene, located approximately 32 kilometers from La Libertad town center, saw a swift response from the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) of the Philippine Army, the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local police forces.
Lt. Col. Evelio Ilanga, commanding officer of the 62IB, mentioned that one piece of heavy equipment was salvaged by the construction company. His battalion is currently assisting the police in their investigation and ensuring the security of the area. Ilanga emphasized that all possible motives are being considered, but it is premature to pinpoint any specific group or individual behind the attack.
Residents of the sparsely populated Manghuya have expressed ignorance about the arson, possibly due to fear of retaliation. When questioned about potential involvement of the New People’s Army, both police and military officials indicated it was too early to draw conclusions. The incident site lies on the border between Binalbagan in Negros Occidental and Barangay Linantuyan in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.