Communist militants on Wednesday took responsibility for Monday's near-simultaneous raids on two mining facilities in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, but were silent about Tuesday's attack in President Roxas town, North Cotabato, in which five insurgents were killed. In a statement, New People's Army spokesman Dencio Madrigal said, "The punitive action is also a continuing enforcement of the policy of the People's Democratic Government to defend national patrimony by opposing operations of foreign large-scale mining companies."
Madrigal hinted that Monday's raid will not be the last. He said the militant group's tactical offensives "will continue" against mining firms with "environmentally destructive operations".
The NPA, meanwhile, was silent about Tuesday's clash in North Cotabato. The number of NPA rebels killed in that attack rose to five with the death of another militant during pursuit operation conducted by the military.
Col. Nilo Vinluan, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion, identified three of the slain insurgents as Ronald Arnado, alias Commander Revo, an alias "Totoy Gamay", and Ibot Gumay.
North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza condemned the NPA attack, calling it atrocious and an act of terror.