‘NPA to intensify collection of campaign fees from poll bets’

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines  – An official of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) yesterday warned that the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions would intensify its collection of “permit to campaign and win fees” from politicians seeking posts in 2016.      

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman for the 4th ID, said during the 2010 and 2013 elections the NPA collected millions of pesos from candidates and political parties, who campaigned in areas said to be under the control of the rebels.

Martinez urged politicians who would receive solicitation or extortion letters from the rebels to report the matter to the nearest police station or military camp.

He said police and the military in the Caraga region would release a list of areas that are not categorized as election hotspots.

Martinez said the collection of permit of campaign and win fees by the rebels violates a law that protects candidates vying for public office.

Martinez warned candidates that giving in to the rebels’ demand for fees is a criminal act.

Citing intelligence sources, he said the insurgents were starting to note down the names of candidates in the 2016 elections.

Martinez said the rebels have also started sending letters to politicians, reminding them of fees should they conduct campaigns in their turf.