Six security guards manning the closed Maricalum Mining Corporation (MMC) site in Sipalay City were disarmed by eight armed men Thursdayafternoon.

Sipalay City police chief, Police Chief Inspector Romeo Vargas, said the attackers struck around 4:30 p.m., where six shotguns, one 9mm pistol, and the mobile phones of the Ultrafine Security Agency personnel were seized.

According to responding officers, guards said they were under the impression the armed men were military troopers conducting a security operation, claiming they also greeted them.

Vargas noted, there was no indication the attackers were linked with the New People’s Army (NPA).

The police chief said they are looking into the possibility the incident is connected to the ongoing land dispute between MMC and the National Mines and Allied Workers Union Local 103./DGB, WDJ