Rebels require ‘campaign permits’ from Davao polls

DAVAO CITY — Politicians here running in the May 14 elections who want to campaign in the city’s outskirts have to secure a "permit" from New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in the area.

In a statement, the NPA’s Menardo Arce Command said candidates have to secure a "permit to campaign" which will allow them to venture into supposed rebel-controlled areas, especially in the hinterlands.

Communist guerrillas reportedly control communities at the foot of Mt. Apo and the surrounding districts.

While some local candidates said they are willing to comply with the NPA’s requirement to ensure their protection while campaigning in the hinterlands, others opt to ignore it, saying authorities will make sure they are safe.

The NPA "policy" particularly concerns candidates in the city’s second and third districts.

First district Rep. Rodrigo Duterte, who wants to reclaim the mayorship, said he will never secure such a permit from the NPA just so he can reach out to constituents in the second and third districts.

Army officials accused the NPA of resorting to propaganda and extortion because the candidates have to cough up sums of money to be able to freely campaign in areas the rebels supposedly control.

The police regional command asked the candidates to inform them of instances when NPA guerrillas would demand campaign permits from them.