NPA torches 3 trucks, backhoe of public works contractor

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — Three dump trucks and a backhoe owned by the Hanjin-Yakal Consortium in Eastern Samar were torched by members of the New People’s Army at around 9 a.m. last Wednesday,

The consortium has been working on a P 2.2-billion contract, funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, for the rehabilitation of 77.5-kilometer of road spanning seven towns in Eastern Samar: Llorente, Hernani, General McArthur, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes and Guiuan.

Hanjin, a Korean contractor, and its local partner, Yakal Construction, were working also on rehabilitating five damaged bridges and replacing nine others.

The entire project is targeted to be completed within 36 months, or until April 15 in 2016, but it was not clear if there were adjustments done on its timeline after Eastern Samar was devastated again by typhoons, this time from Ruby.

Major General Jet Velarmino, 8th Infantry Division commander, told the media the torching happened at the contractor’s quarrying site near Binalay River at Gen. MacArthur town in Eastern Samar.

Accordingly, an estimated 20 armed men swooped down on seven workers who were on site and demanded for them to leave. After which, they torched the heavy equipment.

Velarmino also slammed the NPA, saying they have taken advantage of the situation when people were still suffering from the aftermath of Ruby and the military were busy helping in the relief efforts. —Lalaine M. Jimenea (FREEMAN)