Suspected Rebels Torch Heavy Equipment in Catanduanes

Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur (30 July) -- Suspected NPA rebels burned down yesterday (Thursday, July 29) heavy equipment used for road construction and maintenance project in Catanduanes, a military report said.

Lt. Col. Danilo Aquino, commander of the 83rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in San Andres town, averred that more or less 5 rebels from the Islacom Pusa command, under one Ka James, torched down a backhoe owned by Sunwest Corporation Thursday afternoon.

"The local terrorist group burned the construction equipment in Barihay village of San Andres town, blaming private contractor's refusal to pay the extortion demand. They have also attempted, but failed, to burn some other heavy equipment used in Solong Hydroelectric plant last year," bared Aquino.

Aquino said that his unit was not informed about the start of the 'preventive maintenance' work carried out by Sunwest in the 80-kilometer stretch of the San Andres-Virac-Viga road, which is part of the 200 kilometer Catanduanes circumferential road project.

"We have an agreement with the private contractors to inform us prior to the actual conduct of their operations. Unfortunately, the coordinator of Sunwest failed to tell us despite the fact that they had resumed their work last July 27, Tuesday," added Aquino.

Barely two months ago, were two motor graders owned by Sunwest Corporation also torched down by armed rebels in Bula, Camarines Sur. During that incident, two militiamen, who only passed by the area, were also murdered by the fleeing rebels.

The burning of construction equipment was staged by NPA terrorists whenever their extortion demand is not granted.

Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, has already directed the 83rdIB to hunt down the perpetrators and conduct security patrols to prevent similar incidents from happening again. (DPA 9ID PA/PIA)