Report: Banana plantation manager shot dead in Davao

An unidentified gunman shot dead a banana plantation executive in Davao del Norte province Monday night. Online newspaper Mindanao Examiner (www.mindanaoexaminer.com) reported Wednesday night that Claudio Mala was shot in the head while walking near the plantation in the San Vicente village in Panabo City. Mala, 55, was operations manager of the Stanfilco Dole plantation. No one has claimed responsibility for his killing, even as police have yet to determine the motive of the murder. Late last year, the New People’s Army accused the Japanese-owned banana packing company AJMR-Sumitomo Fruit Corporation of unfair labor practices after some 200 workers went on strike. The workers had demanded that AJMR-Sumitomo, previously owned by the Stanfilco Dole, recognize their union so they can negotiate for fair wages and other labor benefits. - GMANews.TV