Rebel groups expected to enforce access fee to politicians during campaign period – Army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31): Rebel groups expected to enforce access fee to politicians during campaign period – Army

The Communist Party of the Philippines/ New Peoples’ Army and the National Democratic Front are expected to enforce the access fee or what they call “permit to win” to politicians during the campaign period as one of their source of income.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting here, Major Ryan Callanta reported that every election period, the rebels harass candidates to collect money during their campaign sorties,.

“We want to inform you that the rebels have many sources where they collect what they call revolutionary taxes. Mining, agriculture ventures and illegal logging are among the firms where they draw their resources,” Callanta said.

In order to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful election, the army said they have already formulated strategic plans and major activities with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be implemented before, during and after election, and one of the activity that they consider most important is the security for the transport of the PCOS machines to be used during election.

“We have already identified the 115 voting centers all over the province of Agusan del Sur, and we have already assigned our battalions to safeguard the said voting centers. For the 26th Infantry battalion (IB), they will cover 82 precincts, 24 for the 75th IB and nine voting centers for 29th IB,” Callanta said.

“Even with the threats posted by these groups, we are here to protect and ensure the safety of our people and to neutralize their violent plans in order to maintain peace,” Callanta said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1731359531117