MANILA, Philippines - As the election season starts with the filing of certificates of candidacy, the military on Tuesday reminded politicians not to yield to the extortion demands of communist rebels.
Armed Forces public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said the New People’s Army (NPA) would try to collect money from candidates through the issuance of the so-called permits to campaign and permits to win.
“We are requesting the candidates not to give in to the demands of the extortionists because it will just give them more money to fuel more violence,” Detoyato said in an interview.
“They will try to do it (extortion) again (as long as) they have firearms,” he added.
Detoyato said they are closely monitoring areas that have strong NPA presence like Compostela Valley, Quezon province and Abra.
“We are awaiting the final list of hot spots. It will be the Comelec (Commission on Elections) that will decide,” he said.
Detoyato called on candidates to work closely with security forces if they are being harassed by the insurgents.
There are about 4,000 communist rebels in the country.