Suspected communist rebels have reportedly burned down a banana facility owned by multinational Sumifru, Inquirer.net reported.

The attack was reportedly made by 30 armed men on Tuesday in T’boli, South Cotabato, the story reported.

T’boli town police head Chief Inspector Ramil Villagracia told the publication damages were likely around PHP6 million (US$117,280), adding the arsonists were seen wearing uniforms of the company's security guards.

South Cotobato is on the major banana-producing island of Mindanao, which is currently in a state of martial law as part of the national government's fight against rebels associated with so-called Islamic State.

In April this year banana growers made a plea to the government for help amid increased attacks on farms from members of the New People's Army (NPA). 

Sumifru is a subsidiary of Japan's Sumitomo Corporation which also owns Dole Asia and Fyffes.

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