NPAs torch P33.5-M construction equipment

COTABATO CITY ,Philippines  – Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels set on fire some P33.5 million worth of construction equipment in two separate incidents in Cotabato and Davao del Sur yesterday and last Friday.

Inspector Rolando Dillera, chief investigator of the Kidapawan City police office, said at least 10 NPA rebels stormed a private construction firm and torched some P20 million worth of equipment after its owner rejected their demand for monthly protection money.

Dillera said the rebels, who arrived on motorcycles, burned three dump trucks, a payloader, and a backhoe at the Ricardo de la Cruz Interior Construction in Barangay Roque, Kidapawan City.

Witnesses said the NPAs were armed with assault rifles and caliber .45 handguns. The group’s leader reportedly carried a 9-mm machine pistol.

Kidapawan City Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco said the NPAs have been demanding revolutionary taxes and protection money from firms operating in the city.

The gunmen said the burning of the equipment was punishment for the company’s rejection of their extortion demands, workers told police.

Meanwhile, in Purok Mahogany,  Barangay Cogon in Digos City, Davao del Sur, suspected NPA rebels burned down P13.5 million worth of construction equipment Friday night.

The rebels reportedly torched a Kato crane and a Volvo backhoe of Algon Construction Co.

In Basilan, at least one person was wounded when gunmen fired at workers of a US-funded road project. – With Roel Pareño