Rebels torch heavy equipment in Camarines

MANILA, Philippines - Suspected communist rebels burned heavy equipment of a private construction firm in Barangay Gumaos in Paracale, Camarines Norte Tuesday afternoon, the military reported yesterday.

Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion, said two pay loaders, a backhoe and a road roller owned by by Varin Construction Co. were destroyed.

“They took advantage of the SOMO (suspension of military operations) by attacking unarmed civilians and a government project,” Aguilar said, adding he ordered the deployment of soldiers to secure the area.

He said the firm’s management reportedly refused to give in to the rebels’ extortion demands.  – Jaime Laude, Francis Elevado