Filipino rebels threaten new attacks on mine firms

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino communist rebels have warned three mining firms they may be attacked again if they continue to use methods the rebels say harm the environment.

New People’s Army regional spokesman Jorge Madlos said Wednesday the nickel mining compounds in remote Claver town in southern Surigao del Norte province have refused to discuss the guerrillas’ concerns about the environment and the treatment of mine workers.

Mining officials have denied the rebel allegations.

Military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos says the simultaneous attacks by more than 200 guerrillas on the mining compounds last October were part of extortion attempts. He says government forces have bolstered the security of the mining firms.