Army deploys more troops in Bukidnon plantations

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Army has deployed additional troops to secure pineapple plantations and their workers in Bukidnon following Tuesday night’s attacks by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Capt. Eduardo Meclat, spokesman of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the military and police want to bring normalcy to the plantations and ensure that their employees are well-protected.

Del Monte earlier said its operations were not affected by the incident and that its key assets at its plantation and cannery “have been safely secured.”

Around 100 rebels, after conducting roadblocks along the highway leading to Malaybalay City, swooped down on the plantations of Dole Philippines in Impasug-ong town and Del Monte Philippines in Manolo Fortich town Tuesday night.

“After things have normalized, we will also gradually pull out our troops in the area. As of now, along with policemen, our troops are still there,” Meclat said.  – Jaime Laude, Jigger Jerusalem