NPA attack on mining firm plain extortion

From the Sun Star-Baguio (Jun 11): Police: NPA attack on mining firm plain extortion

AUTHORITIES said that the attack of Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company is a move of the New People's Army (NPA) to get rid of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who has been effective in countering their attack in Mankayan town, Benguet.

Police Regional Office–Cordillera spokesperson Caroline Lacuata said that NPA's attack is a proof of their motive to pursue their lawless purpose, contrary to their claim of protecting the people.

Last week, the NPA under the Chadli Molintas Command and the Jennifer Cariño Command claimed the explosion attack that wounded an army and a civilian at the chemical and mineral laboratory owned by Xian Jinrui Lianliungang, located at Cabatuan, Colalo, Mankayan, Benguet and Dam 5 Gate.

Initial investigation of police revealed that the armed men arrived in the area and planted some explosives. Injured during the clash were Private First Class Arthur Bag-ay, who sustained minor injury at his nape and Jerson Guisguiswoang Awini a detox operator and a resident of Paalaban, Paco, Mankayan, Benguet, who was accidentally hit by an a stray bullet on his right thigh.

The police said that NPA's campaign of the revolutionary movement against the plunder and destruction of big mining companies is a tactic to re-exploit old and unfounded issues against mining firm to seek sympathy from the public.

Lacuata said they are continuously doing investigation and information gathering to determine the identities of the assailants for their possible arrest and neutralization.

“PRO-COR assures the public that security measures are implemented to ensure the safety of all potential targets including government vital installations, power lines, private companies and threatened municipal police stations to ensure that they are adequately manned by security personnel,” Lacuata said.

The police official also appealed to the public to be vigilant at all times and are encouraged to uphold the spirit of volunteerism by providing timely information and support the various law enforcement agencies to win the war against terrorism and lawlessness.

“Let us be alert, vigilant and strongly condemn the activities of this lawless armed group, at the same time join hands with the authorities by reporting relevant and timely information to the nearest police station or thru our hotline number 09998851849, or thru our social media account rpio@procor.net,” Lacuata said

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2017/06/11/police-npa-attack-mining-firm-plain-extortion-546895