MEMBERS of the New People’s Army (NPA) struck again over the weekend, attacking a mining firm operating in Misamis Oriental and razing its heavy equipment.

The Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division expressed alarm over the series of attacks by the guerrillas which it said was associated with the NPA’s continuing effort to seek revolutionary taxes.

Lt. Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of the 8th Infantry  Battalion, said the latest attack by the rebels occurred on Sunday at sitio Dal-as, barangay Plaridel, Claveria.

He said the rebels, numbering about 20, swooped down on the office of Sta. Clara Corp. and burned three heavy equipment, including a backhoe.

Sta. Clara is a contractor for mining firm Minergy Co., which is owned and managed by a Singaporean.

Cuerpo said that before withdrawing, the guerrillas also torched a dump truck, two bulldozers and a backhoe.

He said the NPA raiders later withdrew toward a forested area by passing through the Cabulig River, which runs through the triboundaries of Misamis Oriental, Gingoog and Bukidnon provinces.

Maj. Eugenio Julio C Osias IV, spokesman for the 4th ID, said “extortion” was the motive behind the latest attack and burning incident.

Osias said the rebels have been forcing companies operating in remote barangays to pay revolutionary taxes.

“The burning of heavy equipment was a big blow to the socio-economic development in poor municipalities and will discourage foreign investors to come over,” he also said.

Maj. Gen. Victor Felix, commander of the 4th ID, said combat operations will be sustained against the rebels until they stop demanding taxes or attacking villagers.