Rebels storm construction firm, torch equipment

BATANGAS, Philippines – Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas stormed a construction company’s compound and set fire to seven pieces of equipment worth P25 million in Sto. Tomas town in this province on Wednesday night.

At least 10 men raided the Revere Construction compound in Barangay San Agustin at around 10:30 p.m., according to town police chief Superintendent Noel Nuñez.

The armed men herded the workers toward a nipa hut and ordered them to lie down and remain silent.

The rebels poured gasoline on the construction equipment and burned them.

Reports said the company received an extortion letter from the NPA four months ago.

Firm owner Renato Maligalig refused to pay as the rebels reportedly demanded a huge amount of money.

The armed men fled on foot after the incident.

Nuñez said the rebels initially introduced themselves as agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.