2 remaining hostages in Surigao mining attacks freed—police

BUTUAN CITY – Communist rebels late Monday freed the two remaining hostages they took following the simultaneous raids they staged on three mining companies in Claver, Surigao del Norte, police said Tuesday.

Superintendent Martin Gamba, spokesman of the Caraga police, did not identify the two freed hostages, who also works for Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), but said they were unharmed.

Gamba said security had been tightened in Surigao del Norte as pursuit operations continued against the rebels.

As this developed, the National Democratic Front (NDF) said there would be more attacks against companies violating its “environmental policies.”

Jorge Madlos, NDF Mindanao spokesperson, said the simultaneous raids were not prompted by money but by the NPA’s enforcement of policies to protect the environment.