Suspected communist rebels torch Japanese company-owned van in Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines — Suspected communist rebels torched a container van owned by a Japanese firm Thursday night in Cotabato, said Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., Philippine National Police spokesman.

Four unidentified men believed to be members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) set fire to the vehicle (MVX-444)owned by Sumitomo Fruits Corporation (Sumifru) at 8:45 p.m. along the National Highway in Kisante village, Makilala town, said Cruz.

No one was reported hurt in the incident and the Makilala police were pursuing the suspects, said the spokesman.

Last week, 25 rebels attacked the Sumifru compound in Compostela Valley and burned the company’s heavy equipment and vehicles.