Rebels burn 2 backhoes in Catanduanes

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 25): Rebels burn 2 backhoes in Catanduanes

Two units of heavy equipment of Sunwest Corporation (SUWECO) were burned by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday, July 24 at Sitio Ogaw, Solong, San Miguel, according to a military official based in Catanduanes province.

Sitio Ogaw is located in a mountainous area of barangay Solong where the Mini-Hydro Power Plant of SUWECO is based. This is one of the sources and suppliers of electricity to the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO).

Lt. Col. Bernardo R. Fortez, Jr., commanding officer of the 83rd Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army based in Lictin, San Andres said the rebels poured gasoline into the two units of backhoe of the construction firm implementing a road opening project in the village, about 15.7 kilometers from this capital town of Catanduanes.

The NPA guerrillas did not harm the heavy equipment operator and other workers who were having a lunch break when the attack occurred.

Fortez said that based on their assessment, the hostile activities made by the rebels are part of their revenge for their comrade who was killed in Sorsogon. He added that it may also be a diversion tactics on troops conducting simultaneous massive combat operation in the areas of San Andres, Caramoran, Viga and Panganiban towns.

Intelligence operatives of the Batallion were immediately sent to the area to confirm movement of perpetrators for deployment of troops for pursuit operations.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=841374680467