NPA burns heavy equipment in Batangas

From the Manila Times (Mar 3): NPA burns heavy equipment in Batangas


Authorities related that the group, led by one Leslie Cresino, political commissar of Apollo 12, Guerilla Front Honda, burned a grader owned by the Valentino Patron Construction Co., which is being used in the cited construction project in Barangay Bukal, Padre Garcia in the province.

Construction workers on site narrated that they were caught unaware when the armed group arrived at the scene and immediately proceeded to destroy several heavy equipment.

Residents of Barangay Bukal reported the incident to the police. Authorities claimed that the said residents were alarmed by the unexpected escalation of violence in their barangay.

Maj. Cesar Lubaton, commander of the 740th Combat Group of the Philippine Air Force, said that he was dismayed over the incident.

“The locals themselves, not only expressed their dismay but their anger as well since the sabotage of the project will mean a delay on the much needed infrastructure project,” the commander told The Manila Times.

Meanwhile, Col. Ivan Samarita, commander of the 202nd Brigade of the Philippine Army, thanked the residents for their cooperation and vigilance.

He advised the construction company to continue with the project.

Police are still investigating the incident while the company prepares to file criminal charges against the perpetrators.

The said criminal charges that will be filed by the Philippine National Police will be used in seeking the arrest of the Maoist rebels.

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