Suspected NPA rebels burn tractor of pineapple firm

MANILA, Philippines–Suspected members of the New People’s Army burned a tractor worth P5 million owned by Dole in South Cotabato on Tuesday.

Captain Alberto Caber of the Eastern Mindanao Command said on Wednesday that the driver of the tractor claimed that he was held at gunpoint by three armed men who identified themselves as NPA at sito de Asis, Afus village in T’boli town at around 4p.m.

The NPA, however, made no extortion demands. The burned tractor was used to crush pineapple.

Police and military forces are on pursuit operations.

“This is a violation of the NPA in attacking civilians and their properties,” Caber said.