Rebels burn heavy equipment in Agusan Sur

TWO heavy equipment were burned down by about 10 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels at the vicinity of Stan 44 in Purok 8, Barangay Zilovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on Monday.

The burned equipment included a SKW-Sadam truck and a grader owned by PTFI Wood Processing Company, a firm that manufactures matches.

Lieutenant Colonel Jose Leonard B. Gille, commanding officer of the 26th Infantry Battalion, said members of the NPA Guerilla Front 88 of North Central Mindanao Revolutionary Committee claimed responsibility of the incident.

Gille said the burning of heavy equipment was reportedly due to the refusal of extortion demands by NPA rebels to the PTFI Wood Processing Company.

“These terroristic activities of the NPA indicate that their struggle is not yet advancing. It fails to reach a perception from the people that they are now ready to assume the next government. As a result of this desperation, burning and extortion activities have been strengthened, targeting companies even those who constructed roads and bridges for the poor are not excused,” he said.

Colonel Ronald N. Albano, commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, said their troops were already deployed in the area in coordination with local law enforcers for a joint pursuit operation against the perpetrators. (PR)