ANTARA :: Communist rebels attack mining site in South Philippine

Manila (ANTARA News/DPA) - Communist rebels attacked a mining site in the southern Philippines, torching heavy equipment and seizing firearms from security guards, officials said Friday.

Some 50 guerrillas swooped down on the Apex Mines compound in Maco town in Compostela Valley, 960 kilometres south of Manila, on Thursday evening, police chief Senior Inspector Adolfo Eyan said.

No one was hurt in the attack but the guerrillas burned some mining equipment, Eyan said.

Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Benito de Leon said the guerrillas also seized firearms from the firm`s security guards.

"They were able to disarm the guards and took five M16 rifles, shotguns and revolvers," he said.

Policemen and soldiers were dispatched to hunt down the suspects.

Apex, partly owned by London-based Crew Gold Minerals, has permits to mine about 1,000 hectares in the town.

The attack was the latest assault launched by communist rebels on mining companies in the southern Philippines.

Last month, communist rebels raided a gold-processing plant in nearby Monkayo town in Compostela Valley, killing two security guards.

Amid the escalating attacks, the Philippines has announced plans to create an investment defence force to guard mines, electric power facilities and other infrastructure often targeted by the guerrillas.

The military also began training government militiamen to help secure mines against rebel attacks. The armed forces will provide firearms to the militias, but the companies will pay their salaries.(*)