Armed men attack Japanese firm's warehouse in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A group of armed men raided a warehouse of a Japanese firm engaged in the production and distribution of fresh fruits in southern Philippines, a military official said today.

Lt. Norman Tagros, civil military operations officer of the Philippine Army's 18th Infantry Battalion, said 10 men wearing bonnets barged into the warehouse of Sumifru Corp. in Barobo village, Valencia City in Bukidnon province Friday night.

Tagros said the suspects were able to haul off several firearms, two handheld radios and several cellphones. They also caused damage to the company's equipment estimated at P2 million ($44,378).

He said lawless elements have been trying to extort money from Sumifru and had even demanded to be placed in the company's payroll in exchange for protection.

The Philippine military, however, discounted the involvement of leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) in the attack.

The NPAs have harassed Sumifru in the past. The leftist rebels burned four trucks of the company in North Cotabato province in August last year and a container van in October 2011.  

Sumifru, a subsidiary of Japanese firm Sumitomo Corp., also exports fresh fruits to Asian markets.