NPA extorting politicians, bizmen—Phl Army

CEBU, Philippines - Since January 2013, the New People’s Army in Panay Island has intensified its extortion activities in their known bailiwick areas, according to the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Three groups of the NPA here started distributing extortion letters to local candidates last month with emphasis on prompt compliance of their demand, which was for a “fee to obtain access permit in their so-called controlled areas,” said Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, 3rd ID commander.

The letters were addressed political candidates as well as owners of businesses in Panay, said Mabanta who however opted to withhold the identities of the “extorted personalities.”

Mabanta said the 3rd ID and the Police Regional Office-6 are now intensifying their intelligence monitoring to ascertain if these politicos and businessmen have given in to the rebels’ demands.

These letters showed that the senders were representatives of the NPA’s Coronacion “Waling-Waling” Chiva Command of Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay, Jose Percival Estocada, Jr. Command and Nonito Aguirre Sr. Command.

“This is an illegal activity. We are calling all the candidates for May 2013 elections including the businessmen not to submit to this demand,” Mabanta said, while calling on poll watchers and the community to be vigilant against NPA threats.

“We must protect our rights to choose leaders. Share and report to us information and let the rule of law be applied to those candidates who will give in to this demand,” Mabanta said, adding that these extortion activities must be stopped.

The Philippine Army, in support of the police and the Comelec, has also called on the leadership of the CPP-NPA-NDFP to discipline their ranks. “Election is a democratic exercise. The people should have a free will to choose their own leaders,” Mabanta said. (FREEMAN)