2 backhoe burned by armed groups in Palawan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11): 2 backhoe burned by armed groups in Palawan

Suspected NPA rebels set fire to two backhoe equipment on Sunday in separate incidents in the north and south of Palawan. The first incident occurred Sunday when a small group of armed men burned a backhoe owned by CITI Nickel Mining Corporation in Barangay Punang in Sofronio Española town located some 170 kms south of Puerto Princesa City. After a few hours on the same Sunday in northern Palawan, about 20 armed men set fire to another backhoe in Barangay Pamontolon, Taytay town in the compound of Goldrock Construction Company. A caretaker of the construction company said that 3 men approached him and said that the incident was a warning and a revenge to the company for its “misdeeds”, low pay and often delayed wages to its employees.

In a local radio interview, Col. Antonio Manlapaz, Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 4 said that they are now conducting investigation and pursuit operation jointly with the local PNP of Taytay. He also asked for the cooperation of the public especially the business community to inform and advise them of any extortion activities so that they can help concerned establishment in securing their property. Meanwhile, Manlapaz assured the public that the incident is no cause for alarm and that they are working doubly hard with the PNP to maintain peace and order in the province.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=711355189396