Reds destroy heavy equipment in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Around 30 suspected New People’s Army rebels destroyed heavy equipment at a construction site in Sitio Cagay, Barangay Camindangan in Sipalay, Negros Occidental on Thursday night.

Lt. Abegael Donasco, Negros Occidental police deputy spokesperson, said the rebels ordered construction workers to vacate the area before destroying a backhoe using an improvised explosive device.

Last week, communist rebels torched a backhoe in Sitio Nandong, Barangay Orong in Kabankalan, also in Negros Occidental.

The owner of the construction equipment reportedly refused to pay so-called revolutionary tax being demanded by the rebels.