NPAs collect P26-M from 2013 poll candidates

MANILA, Philippines - Communist rebels extorted an estimated P26 million from political candidates and other individuals during the election period, the military said on Wednesday.

While the amount reflects a failure by security forces to stop extortion activities, Armed Forces public affairs chief Maj. Ramon Zagala said it was way below the rebels’ alleged target of P500 million.

“We were able to restrict the NPA (New People’s Army) in their collections and we increased operational tempo, meaning more fieldwork for our intelligence operatives,” he said in a press briefing.

Citing field reports, Zagala said the extortion money came from individuals and groups from Metro Manila, Isabela, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Negros Occidental.

“This is no longer about ideology or no longer about issues but actions that will undermine not just the government but the Filipino people,” Zagala said.

The military previously claimed that the NPA is issuing “permits to campaign” and “permits to win” in exchange for cash.

Military data showed that the insurgents extorted more than P25 million from individuals and businesses last year. – with Bjorn Beltran, Catalina Madarang