Thursday, September 28, 2006 Plantation security heightened v. communist rebels By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE Philippine Army is repositioning its forces in banana plantation areas after rebels successfully attacked and burned a banana plantation in Davao City two weeks ago.
Colonel Benito de Leon, spokesman of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said the repositioning of their forces in banana plantation areas however would not affect their security efforts in other areas.
"The repositioning of forces is an additional measure to highlight our actions in appreciation of the security situation as part of the efforts to address the security of socio-economic projects including that of banana planters. This will be done while maintaining security commitments," de Leon said.
The Army's repositioning is brought about by the New People Army's (NPA) attack at a banana plantation in Paquibato district this city last September 10.
About 30 fully-armed men led by Leoncio Pitao alias Kumander Parago burned the packing plant of Philippine Fresh Fruit Development Corporation (PFFDC) owned by Dr. Sonny Puyod in Barangay Upper Mabuhay on the night of September 10.
Rebels also chopped down about five hectares of banana trees before proceeding to Barangay Panialum where they burned another packing plant and chopped more banana trunks.
Estimated cost of damage was pegged at P4.5 million.
The firm has reportedly closed down due to the huge damage caused by the rebel attack. Hundreds of farmers were affected by the closure.
It set up operations in Paquibato following a government appeal to bring in employment opportunities in the city's hinterlands.
Resumption
However, latest report received by Sun.Star showed that the said banana corporation has resumed its operation in the area after Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's appeal to the owner.
In a statement, PFFDC said their decision to resume operation stemmed from their "trust and deep respect" to Duterte.
Duterte earlier assured PFFDC of protection and stability of their business activities in Paquibato.
PFFDC said they will initially resume 20 percent of their operation. They have already constructed makeshift packing plants to continue their operation.
Workers of the banana firm meanwhile welcomed the resumption of operation.
