Kalinaw News: JTF-Bicolandia abhors NPA’s extortion activities amid pandemic and calamities

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 28, 2020): JTF-Bicolandia abhors NPA’s extortion activities amid pandemic and calamities

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-The Joint Task Force Bicolandia condemned the continuous extortion activities conducted by the Communist Terrorist Group in Bicol. Major General Henry A. Robinson Jr, Commander of JTFB lambasted the CTG for collecting revolutionary taxes from fishermen in Barangay Binagasbasan, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur days before typhoon Quinta pummelled the region.

At least ten communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) armed with high-powered firearms were seen extorting money from fishermen of Barangay Calkigao who were also bracing themselves from the typhoon’s onslaught aside from the effect of COVID-19.

“This pandemic has turned the lives of Filipinos, especially the poorest of the poor, upside down. Aside from that, we are also burdened by natural disasters and calamities like typhoon. Thus, we consider CTG’s extortion activities as despicable act. Wala na nga silang naitutulong upang maibsan ang hirap na dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan dahil sa iba’t ibang hamong kinakaharap natin ngayon, dinaragdagan pa nila ang hirap na pinapasan ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan,” MGen. Robinson said.

For the past few months, continuous extortion activities of CTGs were reported in different provinces of Bicol that further aggravated the difficulties in life of the populace in said areas.

In San Fernando, Camarines Sur, heavily armed CNTs demanded P200,000 for the seawall project being constructed in Barangay Cotmo while an amount ranging from P10 to P20 as well as grocery items were extorted from various households in Masbate and Sorsogon.

Thus, JTFB reminded the public to be wary of these schemes and report it to the authorities.

“Our lines are open 24/7 and rest assured that we will respond to your reports promptly. Again, we remind you not to give any form of support to this terrorist group. Extortion activities ang bumubuhay sa kanila kaya kapag wala na silang nakukuhang anumang uri ng suporta sa publiko, hindi na sila makapagpapatuloy pa ng kanilang operasyon. Tulungan niyo kaming wakasan ang local communist insurgency dito sa Bicolandia. Huwag kayong padadala sa pananakot at panlilinlang ng CTG. Your Army in Bicol will protect you at all cost,” MGen. Robinson added.

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