Reds in N. Samar earn P.9 billion from extortion
TACLOBAN CITY , Philippines – Communist rebels have collected more than P900 million from extortion activities in Northern Samar alone, according to Brig. Gen. Ramil Bitong, deputy commander of the 8th Infantry Division.
Bitong said New People’s Army (NPA) rebels collect so-called revolutionary tax from residents of 175 barangays in the province.
“This is the reason why 90 percent of municipalities and villages in Northern Samar declared NPA rebels as persona non grata... They are tired of the NPA’s deception and extortion, which target businessmen, farm owners and ordinary folks,” Bitong said.
“The rebels are desperate to extort not only cash but also food supplies, such as rice and canned goods, victimizing farmers in... remote villages,” he added.
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