Apex Mining still affected by guerrilla attack

MANILA, Philippines – A part of operations of Apex Mining Company Incorporated (AMCI) in Compostela Valley remains affected by the attack of armed men in the mining complex on Thursday, April 10.

The company said on Saturday, April 12, that the incident caused a temporary setback in its development of additional reserves due to damages on mine equipment.

Around 100 suspected communist rebels appeared to have simultaneously raided 5 facilities in the mining company’s massive complex in the town of Maco, burning at least 20 vehicles and heavy equipment.

“Mill and mining (operations) remain normal. The damage to equipment will temporarily affect the development of additional reserves, however, the company is fast tracking remedial measures,” said the company.

Apex said no one was hurt in the incident, and it is now coordinating with local officials and the police.

The guerrillas who attacked the mining complex are said to belong to the Pulang Bagani Company 3 of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) led by a certain Ka Lando.

Guerrillas had attacked mining companies in the past. But they have also extorted money from them.

Compostela Valley is one of the remaining bailiwicks of the NPA, whose suspected political leader, Benito Tiamzon, was arrested last month.

The attack in Apex came amid the identification of new production zones within the mine, as the company intends to gradually increase ore production over the next two years and lower production cost.

The company is working to raise the mine’s ore production from its current 850 tons per day to around 1,500 tons per day. – Rappler.com