3rd Infantry Division pursuing NPA rebels who destroyed heavy equipment in Negros Occidental

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15): 3rd Infantry Division pursuing NPA rebels who destroyed heavy equipment in Negros Occidental

Troopers from the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division are now conducting pursuit operations against the New People's Army (NPA) fighters who torched engineering equipment belonging to a private company in Negros Occidental Sunday night.

The unprovoked attack took place at 8:35 p.m. at Sitio Taoangan in Barangay Gil Montilla, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Ray Tiongson said.

The equipment was owned by International Builders Corporation.

Lt. Col. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, 47th Infantry Battalion commander, said around 30 armed NPA rebels burned one grader, one payloader and one vibratory roller using combustible materials.

The equipment destroyed by the NPA was used for construction and rehabilitation of the national road which is a government project that could boost trade and economic development in Sipalay City.

It was gathered that the atrocity was another extortion attempt of the NPA to force the private firm to give protection money.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=716415