BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome spearheaded the send-off ceremonies at Camp Rafael Rodriguez here last Friday for a battalion from the PNP’s Special Action Force (SAF) to provide security to mining areas in the Caraga region.
Bartolome told the SAF contingent to be vigilant in securing the mining companies and communities near mining areas.
Bartolome said the SAF contingent would join the military in securing at least 15 mining companies and their employees in the entire Caraga region.
The New People’s Army (NPA) has been harassing mining firms in the region by extorting protection money.
Last Oct. 3, some 200 NPA rebels attacked three mining firms in Claver, Surigao del Norte.
NPA rebels also kidnapped a mining firm’s resident general manager, Jose Anievas, two still unidentified officials and some security personnel.
Police said the guerrillas blocked the roads leading to Sitio Capangan, Barangay Urbiztondo in Claver town, virtually holding hostage the whole town by burning down heavy equipment, facilities and vehicles of the mining firms.
The NPA, however, accused the mining firms of environmental degradation and unfair labor practices.
The rebels also accused mining firms of violating the indigenous people’s rights in occupying tribal lands for their operation.