BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – With the election season drawing near, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) appealed to politicians in Negros Occidental to avoid giving money to armed groups once the campaign period starts.
The New People’s Army (NPA) demands “campaign fees” from politicians intending to campaign in rebel-infested areas, according to Major General Benedict Arevalo, newly-installed commander of the 3ID.
Arevalo said politicians approached by armed groups should immediately contact the army or the police.
The rebels would use the money to buy firearms, ammunition and explosives, according to Arevalo.
Politicians giving “campaign fees” to rebels may be charged with violating Republic Act 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
In previous elections, the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental monitored several politicians allegedly giving money and other types of assistance to the rebels./PN
