P5-M damaged on Globe cell site bombed by NPA rebels; tower remains unserviceable

Authorities and Globe officials placed at P5 million the damages at the cell site bombed by suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels early dawn Sunday in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

The cell site remained not serviceable, the officials also said.

Caraga Police Information Office headed by Police Senior Inspector Nelly T. Villagarcia said damaged during the attack at the Globe transmission tower were the control panel, main perimeter lights, tower control, power supply, structure assemble which contained two units of airconditioner, PASO link signal light, battery radio and IPU unit tower control box.

Police initial investigation result showed that the structure was secured by two security guards, identified as one Damaso Paqueo, 44 and resident of Barangay Ladgaron, Claver, Surigao del Norte; and Rico Alico, 39 and resident of Mabini, Tubajon, Dinagat Islands Province.

The guards were captured and held by the raiding NPA rebels but were later released after the bombing.

Claver police found a live hand grenade at the cell site, which was later detonated by responding soldiers belonging to the Philippine Army's 30th Infantry Battalion.

Reports reaching this region's capital said operatives from the 30th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army personnel based in Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte are now conducting hot pursuit operation against the fleeing communist rebels.

Since June 28 after the fleeing NPA rebels sought refuge in an island in Claver, Surigao del Norte after attacking two police stations in Siargao Island, sporadic skirmishes took place in Claver town including alleged killing of two soldiers and policemen.

Aside from being host of two telecommunications giant cell sites, Globe and Smart, Claver town is also host of three mining firms operating in the area. (PNA)

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