Bicol bets urged: Don’t seek help from insurgents

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The Army leadership in the Bicol region has advised politicians to seek assistance or security from government authorities and not from communist rebels or private armies.

Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade based in Albay, made this call the other day following mounting reports that armed men introducing themselves as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have been harassing local candidates in the midterm elections.

Visaya said these politicians should seek security assistance from government law enforcers, particularly the police or Army.

“We are advising those who have threats because of their candidacies to formally request security from the authorities through the legal processes. They must not succumb to the permits being given by the rebels in exchange for money,” Visaya said.

Shortly before Visaya’s call, National Democratic Front-Bicol spokesman Greg Banares confirmed reports that there are persons or groups who are approaching politicians in person or through letters or emissaries, and offer undisturbed campaigning in supposed NPA bailiwicks, mostly remote and upland villages.