Gov’t troops pursue rebels who attacked hydro power plant in Majayjay, Laguna

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Gov’t troops pursue rebels who attacked hydro power plant in Majayjay, Laguna

Government troops are still pursuing on Monday the fleeing undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who were out to burn and destroy equipment of a hydro power plant project in this town.

Reports from the Philippine Army 2nd Infantry Division (PA-2ID) in Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal disclosed Monday that the Army troopers engaged the subversives in gun battle when the rebels launched their attack around 6:30 p.m.

The NPAs attempted to torch a hydro power equipment owned by the Global Heavy Equipment and Construction Corporation which is commissioned by the Department of Energy (DOE) to undertake a hydro power project in Majayjay, Laguna.

Military authorities said the company has been the target of extortion activities by the NPAs since the start of the project.

According to the Army camp, the company has received several threats from the NPAs since March this year.

However, instead of giving up to the NPA's demand, the company sought help from the Army units of the 2ID through the 202nd Infantry Brigade in the area for protection.

Reports from the 2ID said the NPAs tried to attack the three project sites of the company simultaneously in the area but their attempts were foiled by government troops.

A soldier and one CCA were slightly wounded, but no civilian worker of the construction company was harmed nor hurt in the firefight. Also, no heavy equipment was burned or damaged during the attack.

Majayjay Mayor Carlo Invinzor “Jojo” Clado also confirmed that the military operations continued on Monday morning although no casualty was reported.

He said that the NPAs have been extorting the company allegedly in the amount of Php 9 million.

Clado also reported that there was no civilian displaced during the firefight. The site of the attack is located in the outskirts of the highland town.

He also advised his constituents to remain vigilant, report any tension and never compromise their security and safety, especially as seven barangays are set to celebrate their fiesta in honor of the patron saint of the farmers, “San Isidro de Labrador.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987903