NPA rebels into crimes — Solcom

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 5): NPA rebels into crimes — Solcom

Camp Nakar, Lucena City — The military has warned the public against what it called the bogus operation of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels after a spate of robberies and extortion activities in some parts of Quezon province.

Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo, Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief, yesterday said the townsfolk’s weakening support to and blatant denunciation of revolutionary ideals prompted NPA rebels to resort to massive extortion activities and even holdups.

Ordoyo said rebels are targeting business establishments and some construction companies in charge of building roads and bridges in remote areas in the countryside.

These public works projects were intended to alleviate poverty in isolated areas of the province.

“We have also new information that they are now engaged in armed robbery targeting government personnel carrying large amount of money,” said Ordoyo. “The PNP (Philippine National Police) is now investigating on this report.”

Ordoyo said the public should also be wary of Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) propaganda being spread as a diversionary tactic to the NPA’s criminal activities.

The rebels throw the blame at military troops, making accusations that soldiers are behind attacks and human rights violations, said the Solcom chief.

http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-rebels-into-crimes-solcom/