Palace vows action vs NPA for attacking Surigao Norte mines

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang vowed Monday night to go after the communist New People’s Army rebels and bring them to justice for attacking two mines in Claver, Surigao del Norte, including one of the biggest nickel mines in the country. (Another report said a third mine has also been attacked.)

“We take today’s attacks by armed rebels on Taganito Mining Corp. and Platinum Group Metals Corp. in Claver, Surigao del Norte, seriously and are continually monitoring the situation in Claver,” Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., said in a statement he issued late Monday.

Ochoa said the situation in the area had been contained, with all foreign nationals working at the sites “accounted for and unharmed,” and local employees “now out of harm’s way.”

“We are now exerting efforts to ensure that those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice,” Ocho said.

Ochoa, however, stressed that the attack was an isolated case that should not cast a shadow on the government’s campaign to lure more foreign investors into the country.

“This incident is an isolated case and the business community and the public can be assured that the government is on top of the situation, and that this will not deter this administration from luring investors into the country to help spur the economy and improve the lives of our people,” Ochoa also said.