Military Intensifies Security Of Mining Firms

Military intensifies security of mining firms

Balita National news - http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20070804172449397

4th August 2007

Security forces are coordinating with mining firms and other vital installations to preempt the pronounced plan by the communist New People's Army (NPAs) against these outfits, a military spokesman said Saturday.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Erensto Torres made the appeal following the threat made by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal that the communists would be focusing their attention on attacking mining firms.

"The Army units have to communicate link (with the firms) so that we can implement our efforts to secure mining firms, cell sites and other vital installations," he said.

Torres said the Army would be stepping up meetings with these mining firms and vital installations "so that we will know where to position our people. We are helping them in the training and augmentation of troops."

It can be recalled that on Friday, Rosal said the NPA would be stepping up offensive actions against the mining companies in what he said was meant to "stop the plundering of the country's environment and mineral resources."

Torres said the pronounced rebel operation against the mining companies could be part of the communist movement's order to intensify attacks against military detachments and vital installations.

He said the order was issued by communist leaders in response to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's state of the nation address (SONA) last July 23 at the Batasan complex in Quezon City, coinciding with the opening of the 14th Congress.

"Days after the SONA of our President, they came out with an order in reaction to step up their offensive against military detachments and vital installations," Torres said.

He expressed confidence that these firms are ready to thwart such rebel attacks, noting that they maintain their own security personnel.

Nevertheless, he said it would be better if such efforts are coordinated and communicated with the military. (PNA)