Poll-related NPA 'intimidation' reported in two Samar barangays –military

From GMA News (May 6): Poll-related NPA 'intimidation' reported in two Samar barangays –military

The military on Thursday said it has received reports of election-related "intimidation" being committed by communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Samar.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the incidents were reported in Brgy. Candomacol in Motiong town and in Brgy De-it in Matuguinao on Wednesday.

"The AFP has responded to these reports and to date continues to monitor threat groups including the NPA who have been terrorizing our communities on the ground," Padilla said.

In Motiong, 15 rebels allegedly threatened to execute barangay officials if the candidates the communist movement is endorsing lose in their respective areas, according to Padilla.

Padilla did not identify the candidates endorsed by the NPA, but said they were a "presidential candidate and a certain current member of Congress who is vying for a national post."

As a result, the neighboring barangays of Calapi, Bunga, and Malobago, all in Motiong, requested military presence, Padilla said.

Meanwhile, in Matuguinao town, some 20 rebels "hauled" around 30 residents, "all of which were political leaders of a mayoralty candidate that they (rebels) were trying to influence," Padilla said.

Padilla said nobody was reported hurt in the two incidents.

"I believe there was no gunfire... there was no violence that ensued so we are continuously following up on these reports and the necessary activities that need to be made to secure these areas so that people can freely chose who they want to vote for without being intimidated by these armed groups," he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/565168/news/regions/poll-related-npa-intimidation-reported-in-two-samar-barangays-military