Civilian killed, 2 hurt in Surigao NPA attacks

MANILA, Philippines — New People’s Army (NPA) rebels burned heavy equipment owned by a construction company in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, leaving a caretaker dead and two other workers wounded.

Surigao del Sur police director Col. James Goforth identified the fatality as Eldrin Daraman.

The two wounded workers of MR1 Construction were brought to a hospital for treatment.

Initial investigation showed 20 NPA rebels swooped down on the depot of the construction company and burned two backhoes, a tractor and a water pump.

The owner of the construction firm reportedly refused to heed the extortion demands of the rebels.

Goforth said it took time before policemen responded to the incident as an undetermined number of NPA rebels also attacked the Lanuza police station, triggering a gunfight.

The NPA claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying around 100 of their members were involved.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered police forces in Caraga to intensify manhunt operations for the perpetrators of the attacks.

“I strongly condemn this senseless attacks. Wala talagang alam ang mga rebeldeng ito kung hindi ang magdulot ng gulo, karahasan at kamatayan sa ating mga komunidad,” Eleazar said.

He also criticized the communist rebels for killing a non-combatant.