Suspected NPAs seize 11 firearms, burn logging firm's equipment

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Before burning some 20 heavy and light equipment of the logging firm Surigao Development Corp., an estimated 35 communist rebels confiscated some 11 short firearms from an Army-SCAA detachment in Barangay Pakwan, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur Wednesday morning, police report showed yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Nestor Monton Fajura, deputy regional director for police operations in Caraga Region told The STAR in an interview that no one was hurt in the NPA’s surprise attack.

Fajura said six units of log rakers, two units of yarders, four units of bulldozers and eight chainsaws owned by the Puyat-owned logging company SUDECOR were burned by the rebels after seizing 11 short firearms from SCAA personnel headed by a military officer.

Surigao del Sur police report said the rebels after seizing the firm’s security personnel’s firearms held them tight in one place, poured gasoline to the parked heavy equipment.

Surigao del Sur police provincial director Senior Superintendent Joselito Biray said police and military operatives from the 58th IB are now conducting hot pursuit operations against the rebels who fled after burning the logging firm’s heavy equipment. – Ben Serrano