Army claims NPA still extorting, kidnapping in Mindanao despite ceasefire .

From GMA News (Sep 30): Army claims NPA still extorting, kidnapping in Mindanao despite ceasefire

The Philippine Army said members of the New People’s Army (NPA) are still engaging in extortion and kidnapping of residents in Sarangani province and Davao Occidental despite the indefinite ceasefire agreement signed by the National Democratic Front (NDF) last August.

In a press release on Friday, the 73rd Infantry Neutralizer Batallion of the Philippine Army said that several incidents have been reported in barangays of said provinces.

The commander of the 73IB asked the rebels to stop the criminal activities as it may jeopardize the ceasefire agreement signed by the NDF and the Philippine government last August in Oslo, Norway.

“We are calling the rebels in Sarangani Province to stop kidnapping and extortion of the poor residents and elected officials as it would put in jeopardy the spirit of the ceasefire declared by the National Democratic Front in Norway, which is to have an atmosphere of peace while peace talk is going on,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ronnie Babac.

In the guise of dialogue, NPAs have allegedly been inviting small businessmen and store owners to meet, only to demand cash from the victims.

Three of the incidents involved barangay councilors in Barangay Datal Anggas in Alabel, Saranggani Province.

Last Sunday, September 25, a certain Mr. Calibay and one Mr. Baan were fetched by Arnel Culano, a known NPA sympathizer, for a dialogue with rebels led by "Joey."

Once the councilors arrived at Sitio Tangis for the meeting, Joey had threatened to kill them if they fail to give him P25,000 each and a M16 rifle.

The demand was reportedly payment for allegedly giving information to government troops, leading to the death of one Brigol, an NPA official, as well six others in 2015.

On September 27, barangay councilor Romeo Masiguil was abducted by five rebels led by a certain L3. Masiguil was released on Thursday with a demand that he produce P50,000 by October 2.

Earlier in August, a store owner in Malita, Davao Occidental also met with the rebels for a dialogue. After the meeting, he was prevented from leaving unless he paid P20,000.

The store owner, one Mr. Ompong, was able to pay only P12,000, but the rebels released him and his companion.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/583392/news/regions/army-claims-npa-still-extorting-kidnapping-in-mindanao-despite-ceasefire