Armed groups torch heavy equipment in Negros

From the Business World (Feb 1): Armed groups torch heavy equipment in Negros

TWO GROUPS of armed men allegedly torched some heavy equipment in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last week.

Second Lieutenant Jereca Lawrence M. Mangaoang, assistant civil military operations officer of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental, said in a statement that a group of seven armed men allegedly burned two Rio trucks while another group of eight armed men allegedly set fire to two tractors last week.

“The said equipment were owned by Leonil Poe of Universal Star. The motive has yet to be established,” the statement said.

Armed men flagged down the trucks and forced the passengers to disembark before pouring gasoline on the vehicles, the spokesperson said. The armed men allegedly fled towards Barangay Mahalang.

Military detachments nearby were advised to be on alert for the perpetrators.

Meantime, the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion is in constant communication with the barangay officials to gather additional details on the incident with the help of the local police.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=armed-groups-torch-heavy-equipment-in-negros&id=101919