NAGA CITY-A and a backhoe were completely burned by 10 armed suspected rebels, reportedly belonging to the group of Francisco Mendoza, in Bula, Camarines Sur at noon Tuesday, said Major Christopher Morales, spokesperson of 9th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines based in Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur.
The burnt equipment were being used in constructing a road opening near the boundary of Barangay Santo NiƱo and Barangay Ombao Heights.
The road opening project is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the supervision of the district office of Camarines Sur Fourth District Representative Felix Alfelor.
The incident happened about 800 meters from the barangay proper of Ombao
The DPWH placed the damage to the equipment at P5 million.
Government troopers are already in hot pursuit of the suspects.