Rebels imposing permit-to-campaign on barangays in North Cotabato-Army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 18): Rebels imposing permit-to-campaign on barangays in North Cotabato-Army

A top military commander confirmed that the communist rebels are imposing permit to-campaign (PTC) in some barangays in North Cotabato.

Speaking to reporters, Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the rebels exact taxation on local candidates even for the forthcoming barangay elections through the so called PTC.

He lamented the reports that communist rebels impose PTC even on the electoral exercise involving the candidates of the basic unit structure of governance.

“It is sad that the rebels compel the compliance of PTC even on leaders whom everybody in the community knows,” Bernardo said.

The Army commander in Davao Region made a tour of his area of responsibility as far as some parts of South and North Cotabato.

He said that 100 barangays are placed under areas of concern in Davao Region while 40 barangays are placed under the same classification in South and North Cotabato.

Bernardo said the areas of concern include the whole province of Compostela Valley, portions of Davao del Norte all the way to Paquibato District, Davao City, Davao City-Arakan Valley, North Cotabato boundary, Malita, Davao del Sur-Alabel, Sarangani boundary, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur and Colombio, Sultan Kudarat boundary, and the  Tulunan, North Cotabato-Davao del Sur boundary.

He said the barangay elections offer the opportunity for people to select pro-democracy leaders.

“Residents have to realize the importance of choosing leaders who not command respect but also listen to the will of the people.  They must be guided in putting to office pro-democracy leaders,” Bernardo said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2381382079741