Philippines: February 6, 2005

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As the government announced a major program to attract foreign mining companies, the NPA rebels vowed to attack any foreign mining operations if such projects damaged the environment. What NPA really means is that they expect payoffs for any mining activities in areas where NPA groups operate. If such payoffs are not made, NPA men will first destroy equipment and property, followed by kidnapping and murder if payments are not made. The government has established special police and military units to go after NPA extortion efforts, and foreign companies who express anxiety about the NPA threats, will get a discreet briefing about the recent government success at dealing with NPA extortion threats.