Food firm says attacks to displace many workers

DAVAO City–Lapanday Foods Corp. in Sunday said that many employees would be displaced as a result of the attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) on its facilities in Barangay Mandug here and in nearby Davao del Norte.

Guerrillas stormed and burned the box plant of the company early Saturday morning. Another attack was also staged by the rebels at the Macondray Plastic Plant in Barangay Tagpore, Panabo City on the same day.

“It is they (workers and small business partners) who are now jobless and shall bear the brunt of the consequences of this vicious act, the company said,” LFC said.

The company did not specify how many of its workers and business partners would be displaced due to the attacks.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio condemned the incident, saying that the NPA cannot be trusted despite the government extending its hands for peace talks.

LFC, however, expressed relief that none of their employees were hurt during the attack, but complained that some of their properties as well as workers’ personal belongings were missing.

LFC said it would cooperate with the National Police for the investigation of the incident and to the Armed Forces to prevent another attack by the rebels.

The Army’s 10th Infantry Division reported that two two rebels were killed. Authorities found an M-16 rifle, and assorted personal belongings.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of 10th ID, said pursuit operations were immediately launched by the Army after the incident, resulting in a 30-minute gunfight.

A Simba vehicle of Task Force Davao was hit by an improvised explosive device but no one from the troops was hurt

Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Office held but later freed 14 Lapanday guards on suspicion that they were with the NPA.

DCPO spokesperson Ma. Cristina Gaspan said the 14 persons were released after profiling.

Four of the 14 were intercepted by Task Force Davao. Four of them were seen near the blast site and were acting suspiciously, thus held for interrogation, according to Gaspan.

“They are considered persons of interests but no case has been filed yet considering that there’s no probable cause to establish their participation in that (attack),” Gaspan said.

The Army dismissed speculations the attacks had something to do with the issue between the Lapanday and the Marbai farmers over a 145-hectare property that was previously awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in 1996.

Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesperson Maj. Ezra Balagtey said the attacks were part of continued extortion activities of the NPA.

The Eastmincom and the Police Regional Office-11 condemned in strongest terms the attacks.

“Their acts clearly show utmost disregard to existing laws and Human Rights, contrary to what they (NPA) are trying to project with their propaganda,” the statement said.

Police and military believed that the attacks were meant to embarrass the government as it was staged at a time when Davao City is scheduled to host important events.

They however assured the public that the attack was an isolated incident in a remote area, and that additional measures have been put in place to enhance the security in the city.

“We enjoin the public to remain vigilant at all times and report to the authorities immediately any suspicious personalities, activities and vehicles you may encounter in your area. Let’s work and support each each to achieve peace and prosperity in our country.” (pna)