Rebels exerting effort to win back Leyte to their influence

From the Sun Star-Tacloban (Dec 21): Rebels exerting effort to win back Leyte to their influence

LEYTE province is a rich source for resources for the New People’s Army (NPA), that is why the rebel group is doing all it can to once again win the province, a government official said.  “Their number now is not that big but they are doing all effort to win back the province because you have resources and the logistics. If they win Leyte back, this would mean a rejuvenation of their group,” said Regional Director Rolando Rodriguez of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica). He said aside from rebel groups that are in Leyte, his office received reports that rebel augmentation forces from Samar will be sent in to the province.

Colonel Rafael Valencia of the 802nd Infantry Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division also said the recent show of force of the NPA in Leyte has something to do with the forthcoming elections. “This is aside from informing people that they still exist in the province despite Leyte being declared under the status of NPA-free,” he said. Valencia said rebels generate income during elections, by asking candidates for permit to campaign fee in areas known to be under their influence. He said he received a report from a town mayor that some NPA members are already asking for permit to campaign fee. “They want to gather funds from our candidates this coming election by asking permit to campaign and this is what we are monitoring right now to stop or prevent them from doing so,” he said. Valencia added that in assuring peaceful elections next year, an additional troop from Cebu under the 78th Infantry Battalion will be deployed to Leyte.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/tacloban/local-news/2012/12/21/rebels-exerting-effort-win-back-leyte-their-influence-259517