Rebels get up to P20M monthly

The New People's Army (NPA) rebels are reportedly raking in P15 to 20 million a month from what they call as "revolutionary taxes" paid by Cebu businessmen.

This was bared yesterday by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), which reiterated its stand condemning the extortion activities of the rebels.

Govenor Gwendolyn Garcia, who is pushing the all-out war against the rebels, has assured the business community of protection, which shall be provided for by the police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Teodoro Locson, CCCI vice president for external affairs, spoke in behalf of the business community in the weekly Kapihan ni Ate Glo hosted by Elberto Emphasis at the Norkis Display Center in North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.

Locson confirmed that rebels have extorted money from 18 companies in Cebu the past six months. This information first surfaced during the arrest of two ranking NPA members in Talisay City the other Friday.

Gerard Lavadia and Sharon Abangan are now in jail facing charges of rebellion, robbery, extortion and illegal possession of firearms. They were caught in act of receiving P250,000 from a representative of a company based in San Fernando town.

Locson said that it is so sad to note that the businessmen, who have invested and given jobs and livelihood to the people, are the victims of extortion activities of the so-called pro-people groups.

Locson lamented that they are put into a difficult situation when they, their innocent children, managers, and employees are threatened with death. There are also threats to burn their establishments if they don't give in to the demands of the NPA.

The CCCI official said that they have met with the police and military officials in order to establish a link on intelligence gathering.

He also urged their member companies, as well as those who are not, to come to their office and seek assistance whenever they get extortion letters.

He believes that communist rebels are now experiencing difficulties in accessing international funds, which is the reason why they have resorted to extortion activities in the local level.

"I thank the Cebu Chamber of Commerce led by its president Francis Monera for answering my call. If you would remember, I called upon the CCCI to condemn these extortion activities being done by the CPP-NPA and victimizing members of their own chamber," Gov. Garcia said yesterday.

She however lamented on comments by the media that providing security to the business community is not enough.

Garcia is inviting those media people with suggestions to come out with them so that they may try the ideas.

The governor also emphasized that it is wrong for businessmen to give in to the extortionists even if the amount is so miniscule since this is practically condoning blackmail.

"The amount is insignificant and is of no moment. It is the act of allowing themselves to be victimized."

The governor declared all-out war against the rebels and their front organizations during the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-7) meeting in the Province of Siquijor last June 2.

The declaration cam even two weeks ahead of President Gloria Arroyo's instruction to Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya for the release of P1 billion to the AFP and the PNP to finance their operations against the communist NPA.