Mining firm seeks NBI help

MANILA, Philippines - A mining company has urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe alleged dirty tricks being perpetrated against its officials using fake e-mails.

“It was clear black propaganda using fake e-mails to destroy the credibility of the firm and mislead no less than President Aquino and other top government officials, including Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje and other Cabinet secretaries,” representatives of the TVI Resource Development Inc. (TVIRD) said at a press conference in a Manila restaurant.

TVIRD is engaged in exploration and mining activities.

They said e-mails have circulated implicating TVIRD executives and other individuals in the killing of alleged illegal miners in Balabag, Zamboanga del Sur.

“TVIRD strongly denies involvement in any criminal act,” said Gene Gregorio, public affairs director of TVIRD.

To clear its name, the TVIRD has sought the assistance of the NBI to determine the veracity and authenticity of the e-mails.