ILOILO City – The New People’s Army (NPA) exerts influence over around 20 villages in Panay and Guimaras islands, according to the commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade (301 IB).
This influence becomes palpable during elections, said Colonel Pio Diñoso III.
Rebels campaign for their favored candidates, he revealed.
Diñoso declined to identify the barangays but he said these were far-flung.
“Itong 20 barangays talagang mataas ang influence (of the NPA) because of their geographic location,” said Diñoso.
He gave a hint: mountainous portions of the municipality of Tapaz in Capiz province.
“May naririnig kami na nag-iikot minsan ‘yung mga armado,” said Diñoso.
Aside from campaigning for their favored candidates during elections, the rebels also conduct recruitment activities, he said.
For the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this May 14, Diñoso said soldiers would be patrolling villages to ensure peace and order.
The election is from April 14 to May 21. The campaign period is from May 4 to 12.
According to Diñoso, they would be waiting for advice from the Comelec on the possible deployment of troops to the 20 barangays./PN
