Police hold 14 bogus Lapanday guards after NPA attacks; 2 bodies recovered

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Police hold 14 bogus Lapanday guards after NPA attacks; 2 bodies recovered

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) held 14 suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) posing as security guards of the Lapanday Foods Incorporated (LFI) while two still unidentified bodies believed to be rebels were recovered by the military during pursuit operations since Saturday.

The suspects were tracked by the pursuing army troops in Buhangin on Saturday afternoon near Tigatto where the NPA rebels could have exited after attacking Lapanday early morning on Saturday. They were immediately turned over by the army troops to the police for investigation.

The two bodies were recovered separately by the soldiers in Barangays Pangyan and Dominga in Calinan. Dominga was formerly a stronghold of the NPA in the early 90s.

In a follow up interview Sunday morning, DCPO spokesperson Ma. Cristina Gaspan said the 14 persons were released after profiling. Four of the 14 were intercepted by Task Force Davao. Four of them were seen near the blast site and were acting suspiciously, thus held for interrogation, according to Gaspan.

”At this point in time, they are considered persons of interests but no case has been filed yet considering that no probable cause to establish their participation in that (attack),” Gaspan said.

During the inquiry, Gaspan said they learned that some of them were hired as security guards of Lapanday thru an agency asked to secure the company.

It may be recalled that on Saturday morning, NPA rebels separately attacked the Lorenzo-owned Macondray Plastics Incorporated (MPI) in Barangay Tagpore, Panabo City followed by the burning of the Lapanday box plant and plastic plant buildings in Tigatto; and the attack of the Lorenzo Farms in Calinan.

The series of attacks left two security guards of Lorenzo Farms and a fish vendor wounded. Also damaged were Lorenzo farm equipment. The rebels took away four shotguns and one M16 rifle of security guards.

The army dismissed speculations the attack has something to do with the issue between the Lapanday Foods Incorporated (LFI) and the MARBAI farmers over a 145-hectare land that was previously awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in 1996, Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesperson Maj. Ezra Balagtey said it was part of the continued extortion activities of the NPA.

Meanwhile, Eastmincom and the Police Regional Office 11 condemned in strongest terms the attacks.

”Their acts clearly shows utmost disregard to existing laws and Human Rights, contrary to what they (NPA)are trying to project with their propaganda,” the statement said.

Police and military believed that the attacks were meant to embarrass the government as it was staged at a time when Davao City is scheduled to host important events.

They however assured the public that the attack was an isolated incident in a remote area, and that additional measures have been put in place to enhance the security in the city.

”We enjoin public to remain vigilant at all times and report to the authorities immediately any suspicious personalities, activities and vehicles you may encounter in your area. Let's work and support each each to achieve peace and prosperity in our country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/983806