Rebels Torch Quarry Equipment in Surigao

From the Manila Times (May 31): Rebels Torch Quarry Equipment in Surigao

SUSPECTED rebels torched late Tuesday night heavy equipment used in hauling sand and gravel in a suburban village in Surigao City, belated police reports said Thursday.

Reports at Philippine National Police national operations center in Camp Crame said the burning occurred at about 11:13 p.m. at the boundary of Barangay Ipil and Danao in that city.

The equipment, a pay loader, is owned by a certain Gloria Pascual Jovita, a businesswoman engaged in gravel and sand trade in Purok-7, Navalca, Barangay San Juan, Surigao City.

Reports said that a certain Ricardo Gonzales, alias “Kumander Gonzales,” is demanding P50,000 from Jovita as “protection” fee for her sand and gravel business.

The said man also threatened Jovita that something might happen if she fails to give in to the demand, but Jovita refused, reports said. Reports said estimated cost of damage on the said equipment was about P300,000.

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