Reds destroy 6 heavy equipment in Surigao Norte
By Alexander Lopez / Philippine News Agency
BUTUAN CITY – Around 20 fully armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels torched and destroyed six units of heavy equipment owned by the contractors of Platinum Group Mining Corporation (PGMC) Thursday afternoon in Sitio Kinalablaban, Barangay Cagdianao in Claver, Surigao del Norte.
Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) director, Col. Noel Espinoza, in a statement Friday, said the perpetrators were led by a certain “Jacob” of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16C, Guerrilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.
The heavy equipment units destroyed include four backhoes owned by Cagdianao Construct Development Corporation and two other backhoes owned by Queens Contractor.
The local police station in Claver is still determining the total cost of the damage as of press time.
“The SDNPPO strongly condemns the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) for the burning of heavy equipment,” Espinosa said.
He added that intelligence units from Claver town were already directed to conduct intensified information gathering in the area.
Nearby municipal police stations, including in Siargao Island, as well as mining plants in the area, were also alerted for possible diversionary attack from the NPA rebels, he said.
“The CTG's activity is a proof of their motive to pursue their lawless purpose, contrary to their claim of protecting the people,” Espinosa said.
He added that SDNPPO is also conducting an in-depth investigation for the possible identification of the perpetrators for prosecution.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)