Galon: 'Don’t give in to NPA demands'

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Jan 23): Galon: 'Don’t give in to NPA demands'

AN OFFICIAL of the Philippine Army in Negros Island Region has reiterated the call to politicians not to pay “permit to campaign” fees demanded by the New People’s Army (NPA) in so-called “rebel-controlled” areas.

Col. Leopoldo Galon Jr., deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said Army troopers are ready to provide security to candidates especially in the hinterlands.

Galon led the launching Friday of the 303rd Brigade Public Information Office (PIO) located at the Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.

He said the Army is discouraging candidates who are running for certain electives position in the May 9 elections from giving in to the demands of the NPA rebels.

“We are discouraging them because we are here, the Army and the Philippine National Police. We are capable of securing the areas. All they need is to coordinate with us, which is important,” Galon said.

They do not have to pay in order campaign in certain areas, he added.

He also reminded the politicians, “’yung ibibigay niyo sa mga NPAs, ikakamatay ng mga sundalo ‘yun kasi gagamitin ‘yun sa pag bili ng bala.”

Galon added that the NPA rebels’ strength in Negros has weakened and cannot be considered a threat anymore as far as security is concerned.

He also discouraged politicians from using private armed groups in their campaign.

Meanwhile, 2nd Lt. Ma. Revekka Knothess Roperos, newly-designated public information officer of the 303rd Brigade, said the Army’s PIO in Bacolod City will ensure the accessibility of their unit to the tri-media.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2016/01/23/galon-dont-give-npa-demands-453300