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SURIGAO CITY (MindaNews/26 June) — Three trailer trucks loaded with copra were burned Monday night along the national highway in Alegria, Surigao del Norte, causing a traffic jam that affected hundreds of motorists.
According to the 30th Infantry Battalion, the trucks were owned by businessman Evaristo Tiu of Copraland based in Surigao City.
Captain Steve Mangabat of the 30th IB said the said trucks were carrying copra from Surigao City bound for Davao City.
But upon reaching Barangay Pungtod, Alegria, Surigao del Norte the trucks were flagged down by at least eight armed men, around 11:10pm.
Mangabat added that after the trucks were set ablaze the armed men fired shots and headed towards the eastern part of the town.
He said the attackers blocked the highway with the trucks before setting the vehicles on fire.
Authorities could not say if the attack was the handiwork of the New People’s Army.
Tiu said his trucks were worth P5 million pesos.
He said he could not recall having received a demand letter from the communist rebels asking for “revolutionary tax.”
Alegria Mayor Dominador Esma said traffic was eased after the trucks were removed from the road at around 8am today. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)