With regard to the subjected attacks in Surigao Philippines, two of the them were at large scale mining facilities, the local press is reporting that refusal of Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), Taganito HPAL Nickel Corp. and Platinum Group Metals Corp. (PGMC) to give in to the NPA demand for a “revolutionary tax” prompted the attacks.
There were 20 international ships in the vicinity all sailed safely to further anchorages or had nearly completed loading and have departed.
This is a serious situation, government troops are being deployed to the area and we strongly recommend that all owners/charterers of vessels intending to load nickel ore in the Philippines contact their respective P&I Club to clarify the situation. Please see the attached a simple map showing the more prominent mines and their location in the Surigao area. Away from the immediate area of TMC and PGMC loading of vessels continues.
