From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): Extortionists gut heavy equipment in separate incidents in Sarangani, Davao Del Sur
Thirty five heavily-armed men, believed to extortionists, torched more than PHP10 million worth of heavy equipment in separate incidents in Sarangani and Davao Del Sur Wednesday.
This was disclosed by 73rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac in a statement Thursday.
He added the first incident took place 3:20 p.m. at Sitio Ulas, Barangay Alegria, Alabel Sarangani Province where private company Jun Yi Enterprises, which was based in General Santos City, was conducting quarry operations.
At this point, 25 armed men appeared out of nowhere and held at gunpoint the civilians and torched their backhoe and 10 wheeler dump-truck.
Damage was placed at more than PHP10 million. Investigations indicated that the suspects were extortion from the company but the latter refuse to give in, triggering this attack which fortunately left no one hurt nor killed.
The second incident took place 9:00 p.m. at Barangay Manga, Matanao, Davao Del Sur.
Initial reports disclosed that one Canter Elf Truck owned by Councilor Melanie Maniapao was intentionally burned at her residence.
Authorities are still determining the exact cause of damage in the second incident.
Around 10 men, armed with AK-47s and pistols, conducted this atrocity after which they immediately fled aboard four motorcycles.
“We will support the PNP in investigating the crime and closely monitor the whereabouts of the perpetrators to ensure that justice will be served to the owners of the heavy equipment,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938875&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
Both incidents appear to follow the modus operandi of Maoist New People's Army extortion activity.
ReplyDeleteWhile there may be a ceasefire in place that currently prohibits military activity, NPA fundraising/extortion operations appear to be ongoing problem as NPA units must still feed and care for their forces in the field.