NPAs demand ‘campaign fees’ from 12 Caraga bets

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines  â€“ Communist rebels have reportedly demanded so-called “permit to campaign” fees from at least 12 candidates running for various positions in the Caraga region, according to a military official.

Lt. Col Eugene Osias, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, did not identify the candidates for their safety and security, except to say that they have asked for police and military assistance.

Osias gave assurance that authorities are ready to provide security to candidates being harassed by the New People’s Army (NPA).

The military earlier urged candidates to turn down the NPA’s extortion demands and avoid campaigning in communist-infested areas.

Local radio station dxBC of the Radio Mindanao Network earlier identified Butuan City councilor Ryan Anthony Culima, who is running for re-election under the Liberal Party (LP), as among those being asked to pay P20 million in campaign permit fees.

The amount, according to the radio station, is also for San Roque Mining Inc. (SRMI), where Culima is an official. SRMI is one of the biggest mining firms operating in Agusan del Norte. 

Culima, in an interview with The STAR, neither confirmed nor denied the dxBC report.

“Where in the hands of God will I get the P20 million?… I am only an employee of SRMI being its spokesman. I only receive salary for my services,” he said.

The dxBC report added that the proclamation rally of LP candidates in Las Nieves town was cancelled due to the reported sighting of NPA guerrillas there.

Osias said the Caraga region is now an area of concern in the May elections due to the increased presence of NPA rebels.