Reds torch P3.5 million heavy equipment in Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels burned heavy equipment worth P3.5 million at a construction site in Barangay San Francisco in Las Navas, Samar yesterday.

Gen. Lowell Tan of the 803rd Infantry Brigade (IB) said extortion could be the motive for the attack that destroyed a backhoe and a truck.

”Talagang may nagbabantay sa mga government projects dito. Siguro lang nalusutan tayo,” Tan said.

In Sarangani, supporters of NPA rebels and Dawlah Islamiya members in Maitum town surrendered 97 loose firearms in the past three months.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy of the 6th Infantry Division said the firearms were turned over by the owners through the intercession of the  38th Infantry Battalion and 603rd IB. — John Unson