Long list of NPA backers include miners, gov't officials

From the Sun Star-Davao (Mar 3): Long list of NPA backers include miners, gov't officials

AUTHORITIES are claiming they already have the list of names of alleged supporters and financiers of the New People’s Army (NPA) that includes local government officials and miners.

In a media conference Friday, March 2, at the 1001st Infantry Brigade in Compostela Valley, Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Marvin Manuel Pepino, said they already have the “long list.”

However, Pepino refused to divulge the names while an investigation on their contributions is ongoing.

“We have a list of the miners and the contractors including the LGUs na naga supporta sa kanila but we cannot divulge their names considering that we have not completed our evidences against them,” he said.

They may be held liable for their actions under Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

 As countermeasure, the police will be conducting fora with different stakeholders in the province to raise awareness on the consequences of their action, which he said, “is dangerous to the national security.”

“In addressing that concern, actually we had a meeting with the governor yesterday through the Provincial Peace and Order Council, and we met with all the miners in the area,” Pepino said.

The official added they warned the miners that they will file a case against them.

 “Lalabas ang warrant nila and they will be apprehended siyempre mapriso na sila (they will be apprehended),” he added.

The ComVal police is now coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in collecting evidences to prove the involvement of these individuals in their area and not merely rely on hearsay.

Likewise, they are strengthening their “Taphang” or Tapok Hangyo in their areas to urge the public to desist from giving in to extortion demands of the communist group.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2018/03/03/long-list-npa-backers-include-miners-govt-officials-591805