Rebels attack gov’t projects
STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur—Suspected communist rebels on Saturday evening staged near simultaneous attacks on four government project sites here, setting heavy equipment on fire.
A manhunt resulted in the arrest of two suspects early Sunday, according to Capt. Danny Boy Tapang, spokesman of the 39th Infantry Battalion here.
Recovered from the suspects, whom Tapang declined to identify, were a 9mm pistol, ammunition and bomb components.
“They are still being investigated. They’re under police custody,” he said.
Chief Insp. Roberto Caraoa, Sta. Cruz police chief, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects, aged 52 and 18, in Sitio (settlement) Bayungon.
Col. Apollo Lamaton Jr., commander of the 39th Infantry Battalion based here, said unidentified armed men who were suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) arrived on motorcycles at road construction sites in Barangay (village) Tagabuli, Barangay Coronon, Sitio Tacub and Barangay Darong and set the heavy equipment on fire around 7:30 p.m.
No casualties were reported, Lamaton said.–Eldie Aguirre, Allan Nawal and Williamor Magbanua, Inquirer Mindanao
