Leftist rebels attack construction firm in Batangas

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Suspected members of leftist New People's Army (NPA) torched late Friday night heavy equipment of a construction firm in Batangas, local police said today.

Batangas Provincial Police Office said the armed men, who introduced themselves as members of NPA, burned backhoe and graders of Toreja Construction Company in Bulihan village, Nasugbu town at around 10:00 p.m. local time.

Authorities were yet to determine if the incident was in relation to alleged failure of the company to pay "revolutionary taxes" to the rebels.

Elements of Nasugbu police, along with the 730th company of the Philippine Air Force and 22nd military intelligence company of the Philippine Army, are now conducting investigation into the incident, police said.