Ilocos Sur PNP on alert after NPAs torch mining equipment

By Myds Supnad

QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur — Ilocos police director Chief Supt. Roman A. Felix ordered Ilocos Sur police to be on alert status and investigate burning of equipment by rebels here at Sitio Sinagaban, Barangay Patungcaleo, on Feb. 19.

Based on reports equipment of South Ocean Mining Corp. owned by Peter Hay, a Chinese National, were burned at around 1:25 a.m. of said date by armed men who claimed they were members of New People’s Army.

Based on statement of security guard Jose Rapada and caretaker William Ong, an unidentified armed male person entered the premises and ordered them to turn off their cell phones introducing himself as member of the NPA.

Afterwards, companions of the alleged NPA member poured gasoline on the equipment and set these on fire that lasted for more than an hour.

Following this, Felix said he directed his men to ensure security at mining area and in Quirino town to avoid recurrence of same incident.

On April 11, 2014, same incident  happened in Patiacan, Quirino  wherein the drilling machine of the Freeport Mc-Moran Phelps Dodge Mining Company was allegedly burned by the NPA Alfredo Cesar Command.

Felix said this time, intensified security operations is being implemented in suspected red areas with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies to ensure safety of communities folks.