Suspected rebels burn heavy equipment in Siaton

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 31): Suspected rebels burn heavy equipment in Siaton

Suspected New People's Army rebels yesterday burned two heavy equipment of a construction firm in Brgy. Katikugan, Siaton town, Negros Oriental, the military said.

The armed suspects, who were on board three motorcycles, torched the heavy equipment of Medalla Construction near Siaton River, Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said.

Aying added that the suspects fired their M-16 rifles, and shouted “Mabuhay ang NPA (Long live the NPA)” as they left the scene of incident, on board the motorcycles.

The atrocities came more than a week after suspected rebels also ambushed policemen in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, while responding to a call for help from a city councilor and his two companions. Six policemen and a civilian were killed.

Aying slammed the continued atrocities committed by the NPA in the Negros Island Region.

During his visit to Negros Oriental Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered security forces to be more aggressive in their operations against the NPA, following the series of tactical offensives launched by communist rebels, despite the peace talks.

Troopers of the Regional Public Safety Battalion are now assisting the Philippine Army in the conduct of pursuit operations against the fleeing suspects.

Recovered at the scene of incident were empty shells of various calibers of firearms and a container filled with gasoline.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/July/31/negor2.htm