SUSPECTED communist rebels blasted equipment with explosives and attacked the tailings dam of the Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company Wednesday night, June 7, in Mankayan town, Benguet.
Mankayan Mayor Materno Luspian confirmed the attack and received a call past midnight about explosions and the firefight but authorities have yet to confirm whether the attackers are members of the New People’s Army’s Jennifer Cariño Command, which earlier claimed responsibility of attacking a police station in Loo, Bugiuas a month ago.
Police reports said a backhoe and a lime slaking machine operated by a Korean investor in Cabatuan, Barangay Colalo were blasted.
A police outpost in the village was also destroyed while a construction worker was reportedly grazed in the leg by a bullet during the firefight.
Police said the security division of Lepanto reported that the attempt by the rebels to blast heavy equipment parked on the tailings dam was foiled by the arrival of soldiers.
Police investigation revealed two bombs were found in the backhoe and dump truck.
The Police Regional Office-Cordillera said the incident is still being investigated and clearing operations are underway.
Meanwhile, Lepanto officials assured the safety of its personnel and will help in the ongoing investigation.
The rebels have yet to issue a statement acknowledging or denying responsibility for the attacks.