Rebels attack banana plantation in Surigao Sur - police

About 200 suspected communist rebels attacked over the weekend an eight-hectare banana plantation in Surigao del Sur, burning down crops and heavy equipment alike. Superintendent Martin Gamba, spokesman of the Caraga regional police, said an initial investigation showed the attackers were members of the New People's Army belonging to the Front Committee 30, 9A and 19B. Authorities said the rebels, led by a certain "Ka Arche," were armed with high-powered firearms when they attacked by burning down banana plants at Sitio Ibu, in Brgy Anahao Daan in Tago at about 11:30 a.m. of Sunday. The suspected rebels also burned down three warehouses in the plantation, as well as four dump trucks, two generators, a backhoe, and a motorcycle. After the incident, the attackers reportedly retreated to the mountainous area of the town. Police said the manager of the banana plantation has yet to report on the extent of the damages and the total cost of loss as a result of the attack. Earlier, Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal, Caraga Police regional director, said they are investigating the recent burning incidents involving the insurgents operating in the region. — with Mark Merueñas and Ben Serrano/RSJ, GMA News