Rebels torch construction equipment, seize tanod

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas burned some P10 million worth of construction equipment and seized a village watchman in Kidapawan City Sunday night.

The attack occurred hours after another group of rebels set off a bomb in Barangay Balite in Magpet town that wounded 1/Lt. Nash Sema of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion and an enlisted man.

The provincial police said more than 10 armed men arrived at a garage of Jargon Construction Co. in Barangay Mua-an and set the equipment on fire. 

Investigators said village chairman Acer Perez confirmed that the NPAs fled on motorcycles, taking with them tanod or watchman Tata Cardion.

Lt. Col. Noli Vinluan, commanding officer of the Army’s 57th IB, said the rebels have been harassing the firm for refusing to pay revolutionary taxes.