Army official tells politicians not to give in to the NPA's permit to win extortion

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 23): Army official tells politicians not to give in to the NPA's permit to win extortion

An army official appealed to politicians in Samar to repulse any offer of permit to campaign or permit to win in exchange for monetary consideration this coming election. During the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting in Paranas town, Monday Lt Col Cerilo Balaoro made his appeal. “The extortion schemes like permit to campaign and permit to win will start anytime before the campaign period,” he added. Balaoro is the 87th Infantry Battalion Commander based in San Jose De Buan.

He aired his concern as Samar is considered a priority area, based on its history of intense political rivalry. “This is because of the presence of armed group, not only PAGs but also NPA, this group impose threats to the civilians, especially to the politicians,” said the army official. “The advocacy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is to have a safe, honest and fair election.” The military joins the mandate of the COMELEC in joint checkpoints that started on January 13, 2013.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221358852585