NPA rebels venture into ‘narco-terrorism’

CEBU, Philippines - Some members of the New People’s Army have allegedly ventured into “narco-terrorism” to raise money for their activities, a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 6 official said Friday.

Paul Ledesma, PDEA-6 regional director, confirmed reports of marijuana plantations in known rebel-infested areas in Western Visayas, particularly in Iloilo province.

Ledesma, during the first quarter regular meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Iloilo City, cited an anti-illegal drug operation in a town in Iloilo to suggest the possible existence of narco-terrorism, or terrorism financed by profits from illegal drug.

Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero of the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division, also admitted to have received reports of marijuana plantations in known rebel-affected villages. “I already talked to Director Ledesma about this and we are working together on how to address this concern,” he said.

Guerrero said he was waiting for details before they could launch an operation. “Drug-related problems are outside of our usual concern but we are more than willing to work with other agencies concerned to stop this,” he added.

In the past, Guerrero said, when patrolling soldiers came across marijuana plantations, they usually report it to the PDEA or took the initiative to uproot them.

Meanwhile, Guerrero said the military has yet to receive reports if some members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade are also engaged in illegal drugs. — Jennifer P. Rendon (FREEMAN)