AFP reminds candidates running for public office to be wary of NPA extortion

Manila Bulletin (May 14): AFP reminds candidates running for public office to be wary of NPA extortion

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday reminded candidates running for public office in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2018 to be wary of extortion perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a statement, the AFP advised the candidates and business owners not to give in to the group’s demands and report their illegal activities immediately to the proper authorities like the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police and the AFP.

“Giving in to their extortion activities will only give the NPAs the means to conduct further atrocities against the government and its constituents,” the AFP said.

“Legal ramifications are also waiting for those who will be proven to finance the CPP-NPA and its terror activities,” it added.

The AFP, meanwhile, reiterated that as a professional organization, it does not engage in partisan politics especially during the conduct of elections.

“All AFP personnel will remain impartial and focused on its mission to serve and protect the people,” the AFP said.

“We will not participate in any politically motivated and election-related activities that give undue advantage to candidates and parties.”

“We will remain focused on our mission to provide security support to ensure the peaceful conduct of BSKE,” it added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/05/14/afp-reminds-candidates-running-for-public-office-to-be-wary-of-npa-extortion/