ILOILO – Contractors of government infrastructure projects in Panay Island must immediately report to authorities attempts to extort from them, according to the commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade based in Dingle, Iloilo.
“Para maiwasan na makabigay sila at makalapit ang mga armado sa kanila,” said Colonel Benedict Arevalo.
The Army has consistently received information that New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were demanding money from contractors, he revealed.
But Arevalo also did not discount the possibility that some of these extortionists may not be rebels but merely pretending to be one.
He planned to have a meeting with contractors to discuss the problem.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allotted P31.956 billion for the implementation of various infrastructure projects (road and bridge widening, flood control, etc.) in various provinces of Western Visayas.
Keeping silent won’t do the contractors good, said Arevalo.
Rebels resorting to extortion have long been a concern of the Army. They were going hungry in the mountains, according to the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID). Their targets included construction companies, politicians, businessmen and even marginal farmers in hinterland villages.
Giving in to the rebels’ demands is tolerating their illegal activity, warned the Army./PN
