MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Security officials say some 200 heavily armed communist rebels have stormed three mining companies in the southern Philippines, disarming guards and seizing several people.
Police and military officials say New People's Army rebels also burned trucks, a barge and a guesthouse inside one of the compounds during Monday's raids in Surigao del Norte province.
Regional police chief Reynaldo Rafal says the rebels first raided the Taganito Mining Corp. in Claver township, seizing several security guards and company officials. Separate groups of rebels also swooped down on the nearby Platinum Group Metals Corp. and THPAL Mining.
Police say the attacks could be linked to extortion.
