NPA guerrillas own up to landmine attack in Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY— Communist rebels on Saturday claimed responsibility for detonating a landmine that hit a convoy of a town mayor in Cotabto, leaving three policemen wounded.

But in a statement sent to media through email, Ka. Isabel Fermiza, New People's Army’s Mount Apo sub-regional command spokesperson, denied military reports claiming that the target of the attack was President Roxas town Mayor Jaime Mahimpit.

Fermiza also said the incident occurred Thursday afternoon in Baranagy Datu Inda, President Roxas town, adding that the offensive targeted policemen on a military truck tailing the mayor’s vehicle.

A police report indicated that the three wounded President Roxas cops were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Meanwhile, Police Senior Inspector Bernabe Rubio, President Roxas town's chief of police, said the rebels might have stayed in the area for two to three days just to wait for the mayors’ convoy.

For his part, Mahimpit vowed to continue the multi-million road construction in Barangay Datu Inda despite threats from the rebels, who allegedly engaged in extortion activities targeting the construction firm doing the three-kilometer roadwork.

Mahimpit however denied reports he had fallen victim to NPA extortion.

“I don’t receive any letter or demand from them. That is why I am very confident to send our heavy equipment and personnel there,” Mahimpit told GMA News Online.

The mayor assured the constituents and the barangay officials that the project will go on, but also asks them to help secure the LGU equipment as well as the private firm personnel manning the ongoing road concreting work.

Mahimpit said once completed, at least 500 constituents stand to benefit from the project.

He also appealed to the rebel group not to harm anyone and let the construction project continue until its completion. — Williamor A. Magbanua /LBG, GMA News