BACOLOD CITY,Philippines —The Philippine Army in Negros Occidental is on alert against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who will require candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 30 to pay so-called permit to campaign or win fees.
Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said NPA rebels are expected to make their presence felt at the start of the election period next week.
On Friday, Edralin said soldiers belonging to the 11th Infantry Battalion clashed with rebels in Sitio Milagrosa, Barangay Milagrosa in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had reminded candidates that payment of permit to campaign or win fees to the NPA and its allied organizations are election offenses and grounds for disqualification.
The Comelec said such acts are considered vote buying.
Edralin said military operations in barangays, where the presence of rebels has been observed, are ongoing.
”We will be more relentless in the conduct of operations in order to ensure the safety of all candidates and voters, especially in critical areas,” he said.