TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba on Monday, October 9, expressed fears that the “patriotic investors” might leave the province once the attacks perpetrated by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) continue.
In a press release, Cagayan Provincial Information Office (CPIO) said Mamba’s statement was his reaction to the recent attack of the communist rebels in Santa Teresita and Buguey town on Saturday.
Police earlier said around 50 armed rebels stormed a quarry site and burned two backhoes and one dump truck owned by billionaire and construction tycoon Danilo Tamayo.
Mamba said the NPA attacks might worry investors like Tamayo who choose to invest “out of his love” to his home province.
“Ayon sa ama ng lalawigan, nakakalungkot na ang mga karahasang ito ng mga rebelde ay maaring magdulot ng takot sa mga nagmamalasakit na negosyante’t mamumuhunan na ibig tumulong para mai-angat ang kabuhayan ng mga mahihirap na mamamayang Cagayanos,” CPIO said.
The NPA issued a statement saying the attack on Tamayo’s equipment was meant to “punish” him for “destroying water irrigation systems” supplying to over 300 hectares of ricefields through his quarry operations.
Tamayo owns the DDT Konstract Inc, one of the largest construction corporations in the country, and is one of SM Development Corporation’s partners in its real estate ventures. He also owns one of the biggest seafood farms in Northern Luzon.
Mamba said Tamayo had helped Cagayanos by employing over 300 residents in Santa Teresita, Buguey, Gonzaga and nearby towns.
He added that Tamayo also ventured into philanthropic activities such as scholarship grants, relief operations during calamities, housing programs for the indigenous people, and medical and feeding programs.
Mamba appealed to the communist rebels to consider the contributions of the investors before launching attacks. Northernforum.net
