Military: NPA rebels collect permit to campaign

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Mar 27): Military: NPA rebels collect permit to campaign

AN ARMY official admitted Wednesday that the military received reports that the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels are demanding permit to campaign (PTC) fees from local candidates campaigning in areas believed to be controlled by the communist rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Eugenio Julio Osias IV, the Philippine Army’s 4t Infantry Division (4ID) spokesman, said that soon after the filing of the certificate of candidacy in 2012, the NPA has been demanding PTC fees from some local political bets especially in Misamis Oriental.

Lieutenant Colonel George Banzon, commander of the 58th Infantry battalion based in Claveria in Misamis Oriental, said the local candidates pay the PTC fees to get protection to campaign in the areas where the rebels allegedly have strong influence.

Banzon said the insurgents have been sending letters to the candidates demanding for campaign fees, or they (politicians) would have difficulty in entering the “NPA territories.”

“Ambot kon nakadawat naba sila ug sulat for permit to campaign apan wala pa may mi-angkon nga kandidato,” Banzon earlier told a local radio, adding the rebels have new scheme on collecting the fees. But, he did not elaborate.

“Ang ilang pamaagi pa gyud magpabuto sila aron mahadlok ang mga kandidato, mohatag na lang dayon,” he added.

Osias said the NPA rebels do not have ownership over the lands they considered as “liberated” for to be obligated to pay protection during campaign sorties.

“They (NPAs) don’t own the land and they are not mandated to do so. If you are the mayor (in certain locality) would you dare ask for campaign fees from senatorial candidates? You don’t have the authority,” he told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro over the phone.

He said the 4ID would be compelled to deploy army troops in the area where candidates are reportedly afraid to enter due to security reasons.

“What we do is tinataboy namin sila sa area so the candidates would have harmony in presenting their platforms,” Osias added.

Banzon, for his part, said it is the army’s obligation to provide security in security-risk areas, but its mandate is limited only to candidates for governors up to congressmen.

Osias said the Commission on Elections already released advisories and directives to the division and its various army units have already been deployed in rebel-infested communities.

Claveria Mayor Redentor Salvaleon, in radio interviews, admitted receiving a letter from the communist group demanding for PTC fees, but denied paying the said fees.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/03/27/military-npa-rebels-collect-permit-campaign-275096