NPAs torch P1-M mine equipment in Ilocos Sur

By Freddie G. Lazaro

QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur — A group of fully armed men, who introduced themselves as members of the New People’s Army to mining workers, has torched an estimated P1 million worth of equipment here in Mount Nakawkawa, Barangay Patiacan July 23.

Chief Insp. Greg Guerrero, the spokesperson of the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO), confirmed the arson incident that happened about 4:30 a.m.

A total of 13 rebels with high-powered long firearms swooped down on the mining processing firm owned by Luneza Beligen and held its workers at gunpoint.

Guerrero said the gunmen told the workers all their equipment would be burned because they had failed to heed earlier warnings to cease operations.

It was learned that the mining process plant lacked the necessary permits to operate, police said.

Guerrero said Tuesday that hot-pursuit operations against the armed men were ongoing.