Suspected NPA rebels torch heavy equipment in Oriental Mindoro

CITY OF CALAPAN, Philippines – Armed men who introduced themselves as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned down heavy construction equipment belonging to a hydropower plant in Naujan town, Oriental Mindoro on Monday.

Supt. Socrates Faltado, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan police information officer, said Naujan police station received a telephone call from Joel Ramos, village chief of Malvar, and a certain Sgt. Tamares of the 203rd Infantry Brigade Cafgu Patrol Base in Barangay Metolza.

Ramos and Tamares told the police that the project site of Sta. Clara International Corporation, an 8-megawatt hydropower plant project in Barangay Malvar, was seen burning at around 5 p.m.

Emilyn Tresioso, project manager of Sta Clara International Corporation, later told the police that security personnel called her at around 4 p.m. and informed her of the presence of a group of some 30 armed persons who initially said they were members of the Philippine Army. The armed persons later identified themselves as members of the NPA.

The men reportedly set fire to approximately 12 units of heavy equipment.

Catherine Lagunera, assistant camp supervisor, said that all employees were forced to leave the site.

“Not contented, they started to torch the building, including the main and safety office and warehouse,” said Faltado.

The armed persons then fled towards Barangay San Andres.  /ee