Suspected rebels torch abandoned Army camp

By Mar S. Arguelles LEGAZPI CITY --- Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels torched on Monday night an abandoned Philippine Army (PA)in Barangay Calipat-an, San Jacinto town in Masbate, a Philippine National Police (PNP) report said Tuesday. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PNP Bicol spokesperson quoting a police report, said villagers reported the burning incident to the police stating that at around 6:30 p.m. Monday (July 10), at least 15 NPA rebels swooped down an Army camp vacated by the Charlie Coy, 2IB based in Sitio Padaguiton, Barangay Calipat-an, a remote village in San Jacinto, Masbate. The raiding NPA guerillas, bearing assault rifles and gallons of gasoline, set on fire camp facilities made of light materials which include 13 barracks, a function hall, and mess hall. After setting the camp ablaze, the rebels immediately fled. Responding firefighters declared fire out at about 7:30 p.m. of the same day with fire damages placed at P100,000.