Suspected NPA rebels torch truck in North Cotabato village

MAGPET, North Cotabato—Suspected communist rebels on Wednesday torched a logging truck in the village of Imamaling in Magpet, North Cotabato but spared the driver and the two helpers from harm, the police said Thursday.

Senior Insp. Felix Fornan, Magpet police chief, said the 10-wheeler truck—loaded with logs—was heading for the town proper when flagged down by five suspected New People’s Army members past noontime Wednesday.

Fornan said Antonio dela Cruz, the driver, told police the suspected rebels told them they had grudge with the truck owner, whom he did not identify.
“The gunmen then poured gasoline on the vehicle and set it on fire, including the logs,” he said.

Fornan said dela Cruz and the two helpers walked for several kilometers to reach the town proper and report the incident to the police. Edwin O. Fernandez/RAM