CDO town tightens security vs NPAs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The provincial police office in Misamis Oriental has stepped up  security measures in the town of Villanueva following reports that the New People’s Army (NPA) plans to attack four business establishments in the municipality.

Aside from police visibility, checkpoints and nighttime patrols, the local police reviewed the security plans of the establishments, according to Senior Inspector Rogelio Labor Jr.

Labor said they are coordinating with the Philippine Army in monitoring areas in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon that might be used as entry points of the rebels.

He said these measures were prompted by a recent rebel attack on a piggery farm in Bukidnon and at Del Monte farm in Camp Phillips.

“We cannot confirm however if the reported threats come from the NPA or bandits,” Labor said as he confirmed that the Philippine Sinter, Steag State Power, Coca Cola, and Iligan Alloy had received letters “from the NPA” asking for donations amounting from P1 million to P5 million.

For his part, Villanueva Mayor Julio Uy said he was unaware of the reported threat.