From the Philippine Star (Apr 12): NPAs
demand ‘campaign fees’ from 12 Caraga bets
BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Communist rebels have reportedly demanded
so-called “permit to campaign” fees from at least 12 candidates running for
various positions in the Caraga region, according to a military official.
Lt. Col Eugene Osias, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, did not
identify the candidates for their safety and security, except to say that they
have asked for police and military assistance.
Osias gave assurance that authorities are ready to provide security to
candidates being harassed by the New People’s Army (NPA).
The military earlier urged candidates to turn down the NPA’s extortion
demands and avoid campaigning in communist-infested areas.
Local radio station dxBC of the Radio Mindanao Network earlier identified
Butuan City councilor Ryan Anthony Culima, who is running for re-election under
the Liberal Party (LP), as among those being asked to pay P20 million in
campaign permit fees.
The amount, according to the radio station, is also for San Roque Mining Inc.
(SRMI), where Culima is an official. SRMI is one of the biggest mining firms
operating in Agusan del Norte.
Culima, in an interview with The STAR, neither confirmed nor denied the dxBC
report.
“Where in the hands of God will I get the P20 million?… I am only an employee
of SRMI being its spokesman. I only receive salary for my services,” he
said.
The dxBC report added that the proclamation rally of LP candidates in Las
Nieves town was cancelled due to the reported sighting of NPA guerrillas
there.
Osias said the Caraga region is now an area of concern in the May elections
due to the increased presence of NPA rebels.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/13/929942/npas-demand-campaign-fees-12-caraga-bets
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