ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) vowed to secure election candidates campaigning in remote barangays, especially in rebel-infested areas.
“Any candidate na need nila ang ating tulong can ask for security so they can freely campaign in far-flung barangays,” said Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander.
He reminded candidates not to give “campaign tax” to rebels.
If they are being extorted, they should seek the help of the Armed Forces or the Philippine National Police, said Arevalo.
The campaign period for those running for local elective posts begins on March 25.
“Hindi namin kayo pababayaan. We will protect you,” Arevalo said.
The 3ID will deploy soldiers to strategic areas and monitor the movements of rebels.
“We are asking our candidates na huwag silang magbigay kahit ano sa mga rebelde kasi violation yan,” said Arevalo.
For its part, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) warned election candidates against giving support to the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
“Anyone extending support to the communists will be held liable for violating the Anti-Terrorism Financing Act of 2012 and the Anti-Terror Act of 2020. So do not deal with the CCP-NPA. Do not give anything to them, and do not make alliances with them,” said Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, RTF-ELCAC spokesperson.
A similar message was issued by Police Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo, Western Visayas police director.
“Huwag matakot. Mag-report sa atin or sa Armed Force if may mag-extort sa kanila para mabigyan natin ng aksyon,” Dongbo said./PN
