Armed men torch container van loaded with DOLE bananas in Surigao del Norte

From InterAksyon (Feb 14): Armed men torch container van loaded with DOLE bananas in Surigao del Norte

Initial investigation showed that seven men armed with AK-47 assault rifles stopped the container van bearing markings of GESEACO with body number Gesu-937712-9 attached to an orange prime mover with license plate number IYA-973.

The van was reportedly owned by Allan Bernal of Poblacion, Borobo, Surigao del Sur and was being driven by Edgar Fedillaga, 44, married, of Cagangohan, Panabo City. The shipment was being transferred from the DOLE Philippines Plantation at Brgy. Guinhalinan and headed for Davao City.

It was flagged by the seven armed men, who ordered the driver to get off the vehicle before one of the suspects poured gasoline all over the van and then set it on fire, the report said.

After setting the container van on fire, its driver and the prime mover was released unharmed by the suspects, while the estimated losses were placed at P2 million.

The report added that the incident might related to the refusal by the management of DOLE Philippines to give in to the extortion demand by lawless elements operating in the said area.

The reports added that the Borobo Municipal Police Station coordinated with other friendly forces in the area to pursue the suspects, who fled after the incident.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/105074/armed-men-torch-container-van-loaded-with-dole-bananas-in-surigao-del-norte