Davao residents throw stones at rebels trying to set fire to construction equipment

From InterAksyon (Sep 23): Davao residents throw stones at rebels trying to set fire to construction equipment

A dispatch from the military says civilians threw stones at three armed communist rebels on a motorcycle, preventing the insurgents from setting fire to a backhoe and a payloader, both being used for a construction project in Panacan, Davao City. 

None of rebels were killed or hurt, as they managed to retreat to Monkayo, the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command said in a statement. 

The construction company that uses the heavy equipment had been refusing to give in to alleged extortion demands from the New People's Army, a civilian who refused to be identified said. "There will be no progress in our place if the NPAs are there asking for protection money," he said. "In the first place, it's for the progress of our town."

Combined Army-PNP elements from 25th IB responded to the civilians' call for help. Residents and local officials suspect that rebels belonging to the NPA's Front Committee 33 were behind the foiled attack. 

"Joint security operations in the areas of concern continue," Lt. Col Molina said in the military's statement. For his part, Eastmincom Chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III congratulated the civilian residents.  "This is a concrete example of our bayanihan (communal spirit) in the community,” he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/71321/davao-residents-throw-stones-at-rebels-trying-to-set-fire-to-construction-equipment