Rebels torch construction equipment

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas torched construction equipment in Mandaon town, Masbate on Monday afternoon.

At least 30 armed guerrillas stormed the garage of Hightone Construction and Engineering Corp. in Barangay Dayao and set on fire two dump trucks, a backhoe and a cement mixer.

Capt. Glint Antipala, information officer of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade, said extortion could be the motive for the attack.

Edgar Acosta, manager of the construction firm, placed the damage at P4 million.

The equipment had been used in a government road project in the villages of Alas and Dayao.

Police officers were still investigating the incident.