Banana plantation workers in the Philipines are suffering as they are continually harassed by the New People's Army. Even during the ongoing peace talks between the government and the rebels, the workers and owners are not safe.
Businessmen said rebels were asking for money, ranging from P5,000 to as high as P5 million a month from agricultural plantations, private contractors, quarrying operators, public market stallholders and smalltime entrepreneurs.
Big banana plantations have been seeking government support in fighting extortionists from the communist rebels, who were demanding revolutionary taxes.
Dole- Stanfilco, a multinational banana firm operating in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, earlier shut down its operations indefinitely after it was subjected to a series of attacks by the NPA for refusing to pay revolutionary taxes. The situation is dire for the industry in the Philippines.
“If we pay, we will lose our shirts and would be forced to close shop. If we refuse to pay, our lives and those of our family members will be in danger,” said a businessman in Toril, Davao City.
