Reds attack 3 mining firms in Surigao

At least 200 heavily armed communist rebels raided three mining companies including a project of Japan-based Sumitomo Metal Mining Corp. in Surigao del Norte, disarming guards and setting equipment on fire.

The New People’s Army rebels also burned trucks, a barge and a guesthouse inside one of the compounds during Monday’s raids in Claver town, regional police chief Reynaldo Rafal said.

The rebels first raided the Taganito Mining Corp. for which Sumitomo, Japan’s largest nickel producer, has earmarked $1.3 billion to boost its nickel production starting in 2013.

Separate groups of rebels swooped down on the nearby Platinum Group Metals Corp. and 4K Mining Company, both in Cadiano town.

After the attack, Taganito suspended its mining and nickel-loading activities,a ccording to its parent, Nickel Asia Corp., a publicly listed company. Its affiliate, Taganito HPAL Nickel Corp also temporarily halted operations, Nickel Asia said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Monday’s attacks came a few weeks after the NPA rebels raided the Dole Philippines’ plantation and burned company equipment and supply.

Military and police say the attacks could be linked to extortion directed against companies that refuse to pay “revolutionary tax.” Florante Solmerin and AP