NPA attack forces mine firm to stop work

KORONADAL CITY – A mining company exploring copper and gold deposits in three provinces in Central Mindanao has suspended its operations in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur after New People’s Army (NPA) torched its contractor’s drilling equipment early last Sunday.

In a statement, the Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI), a foreign-backed mining firm exploring mineral deposits in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur, said it decided to suspend its “technical operations” in Kiblawan town for the safety of its employees, contractors and visitors.

Armed men suspected to be NPA rebels burned the drill rig of United Philippine Drilling, one of SMI’s contractors, shortly past midnight Sunday in Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan.

No one was injured or killed during the attack, the company said, adding that the attackers immediately fled to the mountain after burning the drilling equipment. 

SMI officials said they were saddened by the attack, stressing that they are “now working closely” with their major stakeholders – the national, provincial and local governments and their host communities – “to solve the problem peacefully.”

Last Sunday’s attack was the second against SMI this year. Last Jan. 1, communist guerrillas stormed its base camp in Tampakan, South Cotabato, burning its buildings and facilities and carting away several firearms of its security guards.