Close illegal mine sites in Camarines Norte – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is seeking the closure of illegal mining sites in Camarines Norte.

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) made the recommendation after its initial investigation showed that the explosives used by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in an encounter with police officers on Friday night were from illegal mining sites in Labo town.

Five police officers were killed and two others were wounded in the clash.

“Examination of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) recovered at the scene of the three-hour encounter led investigators to conclude that the explosives component came from illegal mining operations in Labo, which is known for its thriving small-scale backyard gold mining activities,” CIDG director  Maj. Gen. Albert Ferro said.

Ferro said 75 IEDs, five Molotov bombs and 43 non-electric blasting caps were among those recovered at the scene.

He said the rebels have been extorting money from the developer of a farm-to-market-road, which were being secured by policemen involved in the clash.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar had earlier ordered the Bicol police to mobilize its forces against NPA rebels.