Suspected rebels torch construction equipment in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Gunmen believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) torched and damaged a private construction firm's two heavy equipment units in San Miguel town, Zamboanga del Sur shortly after midnight Thursday.

Senior Inspector Hailil Junnairi, acting San Miguel police chief, said residents of Purok Sinco, Barangay Dumalian were awakened by a loud explosion at around 12:45 a.m. as a group of gunmen torch a heavy equipment.

Another mild explosion occurred in the nearby sub-village of Purok Quatro. The explosion also happened as gunmen torch a dump truck.

Allan Marcillones and Engineer Hazel Bongabong, project and field engineer respectively of Walter Lao Construction Company, immediately reported the incidents to the police.

Authorities placed the damage from the attacks at P8 million.

Police said the attack could be related to the NPA's extortion activities. - Roel Pareño