Rebels torch another backhoe in Talaingod

JUST days after suspected communist rebels burned down 10 roadbuilding equipment here in Davao City on March 30, another burning incident occurred yesterday morning involving a backhoe owned by a construction firm in Sitio Banualay, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Police Regional Office (PRO 11) spokesperson Police Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz said yesterday that the incident happened about 10:55 a.m. as reported by Engineer Florante Ferraren, the project engineer of Ulticon Builders Inc. (UBI).

In the spot report, Ferraren personally appeared to the police office in Davao del Norte

informed the duty police officer that their unit of backhoe was burned allegedly by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA). Immediately, upon receipt said information Police Senior Inspector Rogaciano Gara, the OIC, directed the personnel to verify the veracity of report.

The initial investigation revealed through verbal conversation with the foreman of the firm identified as Leo Bustamante, who witnessed the incident, that at about 10 a.m., while working in the area, they were approached by seven fully armed men allegedly members of NPA in the area.

The armed men allegedly were demanding for a revolutionary tax however, the company did not give in to the demand.

According to 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Ernesto Torres, the UBI company is concreting a road in Talaingod as part of the government’s project to improve the condition of the people in the area.

The burning, he said, may result in the delay of the completion of the project and hence, would delay the provision of better services to the people.

“It has also denied the indigenous people better chances for development,” Torres said.

Torres said the government forces will track down the perpetrators of the atrocity.

“The long arm of justice would eventually catch up with these terrorists. We will relentlessly pursue them wherever they are hiding until they are exhausted, isolated and left with no choice but to surrender or face defeat against our troops,” he underscored.

Torres added, “As we continue our operations in going after these terrorists, we call on everyone to denounce them and deny them safe stay in our communities.”