Eleazar warns bets vs colluding with Reds

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has warned candidates against colluding with communist rebels to ensure their victory in next year’s elections.

Eleazar said politicians caught collaborating, including giving “permit to campaign fees” to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), would be held accountable.

“We in the PNP will not hesitate to use the full force of the law against you and those who would give in to the permit to campaign and permit to win of the CPP-NPA-NDF in whatever form,” he said in a statement.

Eleazar said those giving financial or material support to communist rebels could face charges for violation of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.

More old-timers file COC

Meanwhile, more political old-timers filed their certificate of candidacy on the last day of COC filing yesterday.

Former Pangasinan fifth district representative Mark Cojuangco filed his COC for the second district.

Cojuangco is running against the brother of Gov. Amado Espino III, Rep. Jumel Anthony Espino,  who is seeking reelection.

Former congressman Oscar Orbos filed his COC for representative of the first district. He  will be pitted against former Alaminos mayor Arthur Celeste.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who is seeking reelection, filed her COC under the One Cebu party and PDP-Laban.

Garcia’s running mate is opthalmologist Theresa Heyrosa.

Garcia’s challenger is former tourism secretary Ace Durano, who is running under the Bakud party and Partido Pilipino sa Pagbabago of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Durano filed his COC on Thursday. His running mate is Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III.

In Basilan, Rep. Mujiv Hataman filed his COC to seek a second term.

Hataman’s wife, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, who is also seeking reelection, filed her COC on Thursday,

In Bacolod City, Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran took their oath as members of the Nacionalista Party (NP).

Leonardia, who was formerly with the Nationalist People’s Coalition, was appointed NP chairman in Bacolod. – Roel Pareño, Eva Visperas, Gilbert Bayoran, The Freeman