Rebels torch P1M worth of heavy equipment

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An estimated P1 million worth of equipment owned by a construction firm was damaged in a burning incident allegedly perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) at Barangay Magsaysay, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Tuesday night.

Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) of the Philippine Army, said five to eight armed men allegedly opened fired at the site and burned a backhoe.

A payloader was also hit by bullets during the attack. No injuries were reported.

Police received a report about the incident from the village chief, almost three hours after it happened.

Arevalo said perpetrators would usually come on board two motorcycles as their modus.

Arevalo said the construction firm has not received any previous threats or even extortion from the rebels, which could triggered the incident.

Arevalo said they have not yet confirmed if the rebels were behind the burning.

“But in case they were responsible for it, they only show how weak they are because they involve civilians, law enforcers, and other people in the business community,” he added.