MANILA, Philippines - Authorities yesterday tagged the New People’s Army (NPA) in last Friday’s torching of at least P20 million worth of construction equipment in T’boli, South Cotabato.
Gunmen raided the depot of the AJ Construction Co. in Barangay Edwards and set on fire a road roller, a backhoe, a grader and a truck.
The firm, which is handling government road projects in the town’s remote villages, reportedly refused to pay protection money to the NPA.
Chief Inspector Jose Marie Simangan, town police chief, said investigators have identified the rebel who led the attack on the firm.
Simangan said they were able to confirm that the NPA was responsible for the attack.
The rebels reportedly left behind letters for local officials, warning them of more attacks should private contractors continue to refuse to pay protection money.