Philippines: NPA militants wound six in Cotabato province December 6

Event

New People's Army (NPA) militants wounded six security guards in an attack on a banana processing plant in Arakan (Cotabato province) on Thursday night (local time), December 6. The militants reportedly attacked the plant after the company refused to pay a "revolutionary tax" to the NPA. Additional security forces have been deployed to the area to prevent future attacks; nevertheless, similar NPA attacks are possible in the area and elsewhere in Cotabato province over the near term.

Context

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), founded in 1969, that seeks to bring a communist revolution to the Philippines through revolutionary taxation and guerrilla insurgency. The group is mainly active in Mindanao and has been designated as a terrorist group by the US, EU, and the Philippines.

Advice

Individuals in Mindanao, particularly those in Cotabato province, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.