Cortes, Surigao del Sur (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
BUTUAN CITY – New People’s Army (NPA) rebels burned a PHP1.7-million hauling truck Wednesday in a remote area in Cortes, Surigao del Sur.
Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office Director Col. James Goforth told the Philippine News Agency on Thursday that failed extortion was the main reason for the destruction of the truck at about 5:50 p.m. in Palo 8, Barangay Matho.
“The owner of the truck is a buyer of falcata trees. He refused to give in to the extortion demands of the rebels,” he said.
The truck is owned by Emmanuel Suarez, a businessman, of Purok 6, Barangay Mabahin.
Based on the investigation by the local police, the truck was heading to Palo 8 area when it was flagged down by an undetermined number of NPA rebels.
The insurgents told the driver and helpers that Suarez did not deliver the money they demanded.
The rebels then burned the truck and told the driver that it was a warning to the owner who failed to meet their demand.
Salt and sugar were also poured by the insurgents into the oil tank.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)
