07 Dec NPA still harassing banana plantation in Mindanao amidst peace talks
The New People’s army is undermining the ongoing peace talks between the government and the communist rebels as they are still harassing agricultural plantations in Mindanao.
According to a report by the Business Mirror, banana growers in the region are worried about the rebels asking money from companies including agricultural plantations, private contractors, quarrying operators, public market stallholders and small entrepreneur.
The amount would range from P5,000 to P5 million in a month and if the companies will not adhere to the payment they would be threatened to close shop.
In some region, NPA demanded revolutionary taxes from barangay captains and municipal mayors and even asking “commission” ranging from 5% to 10% from multimillion-peso projects for the government and private companies.
Just a month ago, a banana plantation had to close in Surigao del Norte after rebels burned more than P20 million of equipment.
Dole-Stanfilco shut down their plantation early this year due to their trucks being torched by rebels since the company did not pay revolutionary taxes.
Business investors are now worried since the impact could result in lost investment from foreign partners. They are wondering why the police cannot help to stop the extortion activities.
Source: Business Mirror
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