Reds raid mining site, torch equipment

BUTUAN CITY , Philippines   â€“ Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas stormed a mining site and  burned over P1 million worth of equipment in Mainit town in Surigao del Norte on Saturday.

Reports from the Caraga police office said six armed men arrived at the mining site of Silangan Mindanao Mining Co. Inc. (SMMCI) in Barangay Roxas, said to be owned by the Manny V. Pangilinan group of companies.

Police said the incident was reported to them by Barangay Roxas chairman Bebiano Febra.

The suspects disarmed security guards Nilo Macula and Danilo Dag-uman before seting the equipment on fire.

The rebels escaped, taking the guards’ firearms.

The report did not mention if the armed men hurt the members of the SMMCI mining team.