Reds eyed in Masbate blast that destroyed road construction equipment

LEGAZPI CITY  – A bucket-crawler type excavator used in the construction of a barangay road in Aroroy, Masbate was destroyed when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected communist rebels exploded on Saturday morning, police said Sunday. The local police said the explosion that happened at around 3 a.m. destroyed the heavy equipment along the now finished barangay road in Barangay Macabug. Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol regional police spokesperson, said investigators believe that the attack was initiated by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels after the contractor of said road project failed to give in to the extortion demands of the rebel group operating in the area. No one was wounded in the incident.

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