MANILA — New Peoples’ Army rebels shot dead a security guard of a banana exporting company in T’boli, South Cotabato on November 12, the military said.

According to Col. Leopoldo Galon, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, the victim, Lyndon Pasilan was guarding one of the packing plants of banana company Sumitomo Fruits Corp. in Barangay Lacunon when he was attacked past 6 p.m.

The rebels fled with the victim’s 12-gauge shotgun, Galon said. Meanwhile, an unidentified female companion of Pasilan was also wounded.

NPA attacks are always anticipated especially in the rural areas and fringes of urban cities. Such attacks are the only way that the rebels can acquire arms and other resources.

Thus, security must always be high in such areas. Local businesses must always consider adopting a heightened sense of security. Guards must never be caught unaware of what’s happening outside.

The report said the guard was with a female companion when his 12-gauge shotgun was taken. This should not have happened if his gun was properly submitted and handled by superiors during unguarded moments.