Suspected NPA rebels burn logging truck in Surigao Sur

BUTUAN CITY — A logging truck carrying wood fletches was burned by suspected members of the New People’s Army last Thursday at Barangay Tubo-Tubo in Cagwait town Surigao del Sur, police said. Caraga Police Regional Information Office headed by Supt. Martin Gamba said the logging truck was a Saddam type with plate number KEK 893, and owned by Antonio Cubil, a resident of Barangay Mararag, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. An investigation by the Cagwait Municipal Police showed that while the truck was being loaded with wood fletches, the suspects suddenly appeared and fired at the truck's fuel tank and front tires, and then burned it. Cagwait cops said they are still conducting an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, Army soldiers last Wednesday afternoon encountered NPA rebels at Sitio Bagang, Barangay Baleguian in Jabonga town, Agusan del Norte. A police report said the encounter happened while a team from the 30th Infantry Battalion were doing combat patrol operations, and that the firefight that lasted for 15 minutes resulted in wounding of Private First Class Vergara. The area is near the huge Zapanta Valley, known lair of the communist rebels. — Ben Serrano/GMA News