Rebel attack fails to stop operations

From Business World (Feb 21): Rebel attack fails to stop operations

The New People’s Army’s (NPA) attack on Del Monte’s plantation office and truck yard in Camp Phillips, Bukidnon province on Tuesday did not affect the company’s operations.

A company statement issued on Wednesday said key assets at the plantation and cannery have been safely secured.

It added the employees trapped in their offices were able to escape unharmed although a security guard was killed.

The company said it has beefed up security measures especially that the spokesperson of the rebels said it would not be the last rebel attack.

Del Monte said it is coordinating with the Philippine National Police and the military as well as with the local government units to secure the company’s assets and its workers.

"Our top priority is to ensure the safety and security of all our employees and their families," it said.

"The incident is truly unfortunate, and the Del Monte management is unaware of the reasons why the rebels committed such acts of violence," it said.

The company, however, did not provide the value of its facilities and equipment lost in the incident.

Jorge A. Madlos, the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao, said the attack was launched since the company’s operations have been a threat to the environment and are exploiting the small farmers nearby.

He warned other companies of facing similar attacks if their anti-environment operations will remain.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Rebel-attack-fails-to-stop-operations&id=66231