Rebels begin sending extortion letters to Western Visayas candidates - military

From InterAksyon (Feb 22): Rebels begin sending extortion letters to Western Visayas candidates - military

As the campaign for the May elections heats up, the New People's Army has begun sending out “extortion letters” to candidates in Western Visayas, the military claimed.
Major Rey Tiongson, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division based in Camp Macario Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz, said field commanders have begun reporting that the rebels have sent letters informing candidates to coordinate with them before campaigning in areas they claim to control.
Tiongson said although the letters do not demand any money from the candidates, they are tantamount to extortion.
The Comelec on Elections has identified at least 40 “areas of concern” in the region.
These are areas where political violence has happened in the past, or where private armies and communist rebels are known to operate.
Negros Occidental topped the list with 13: Pulupandan, Sipalay City, Escalante City, Moises Padilla, Toboso, Himamaylan, Cauayan, Isabela, Ilog, Candoni, Murcia, Calatrava and La Castellana.
Iloilo province has 11 -- Estancia, Maasin, Passi City, San Enrique, San Dionisio, Igbaras, Calinog, Tubungan, Lemery, Leon and Miag-ao -- and Antique, seven -- Barbaza, Laua-an, Tibiao, San Remegio, Sibalom, Anini-y and Libertad.
In Capiz, the areas of concern are the towns of Pilar, Cuartero, Maayon, Tapaz and Mambusao; and in Aklan, Kalibo, Buruanga and Lezo were identified.
Iloilo City’s Jaro district was also tagged an area of concern.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/55610/rebels-begin-sending-extortion-letters-to-western-visayas-candidates---military