New People's Army guerrillas celebrating the 47th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26. (photo by Edwin Espejo, InterAksyon.com)
Businesses in eastern Mindanao lost P264.12 million this year to attacks and extortion by the New People’s Army in the region, the military said Wednesday.
The Eastern Mindanao Command, in a statement, broke down the losses per quarter:
- Q1 - P34.71M
- Q2 - P34.58M
- Q3 - P92.72M
- Q4 - P84.11M
They also impose so-called "revolutionary taxation" on many businesses within the areas they operate in.
Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Eastmincom commander, said these acts violate the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which prohibits attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and urged the rebels to “immediately desist from attacking development projects and legitimate business, which serve the interest and provide gainful employment to our people.”
The Eastmincom said it had ordered its forces to “institute measures that would enhance the security of vital industries, projects and businesses in its area of operations” and to coordinate with police, local governments and the security offices of business establishments.
It also urged businessmen to “report extortion activities by the NPA,” in anticipation of “a rise in extortion activities especially with the numerous development projects being implemented in the region and with the approaching election campaign season.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/122047/businesses-lost-p246-12m-to-npa-in-2015---eastmincom
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