The number of local government officials allegedly providing financial support to communist rebels has decreased, the Department of the Interior of Local Government reported Thursday.
“The DILG has received reports that CPP-NPA-NDF [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front] continue to actively pursue the collection of “permits to campaign” and “permits to win” fees in rebel-infested areas but we are pleased to find out that based on the intelligence reports this year, fewer local candidates have succumbed or gave in to their extortion activities,” DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya told reporters in a press conference.
Malaya noted that they will file cases against these officials once the elections are over.
“It’s [from an] intelligence report from the PNP [Philippine National Police] and AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. I do not want to give exact figures now. I just like to inform the public that the warning stays for those who are giving in to the demands of the CPP-NPA because of extortion activities. So after elections, once we have validated the reports and there is enough evidence, then we will release the figures. But now, while we are in the middle of the election [period], it seemed that our call was effective,” Malaya said.
He said the DILG, together with the PNP and AFP, will continue to monitor all candidates during the final days of the election campaign season.
“The AFP and PNP are now closely monitoring them and they will be held liable even after the election if we are able to gather evidence that they are aiding, financing, supporting or conniving with these communist terrorist groups and their allies who are out to trample our democracy and oust our duly constituted authorities,” he said.
Malaya warned candidates, private individuals, and juridical entities, who willfully donate to the coffers of the enemies of the state of possible criminal liability for violation of Republic Act 10168 or The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. PNA
Aside from the crime of financing of terrorism, he said the act of giving any amount or item of value to the CPP-NPA is tantamount to disloyalty punishable under the Revised Penal Code.
“If their sample ballots contain the names of candidates endorsed by the CPP-NPA-NDF, then that is another red flag. We will also monitor the result of the elections to determine the areas where alleged collusion took place and the local candidates were able to deliver (their) commitment to the communist terrorists,” Malaya said.
Malaya reiterated the DILG warning to all local candidates and LGU officials not to fall prey to the modus operandi of the CPP-NPA-NDF and their front organizations likened to wolves in sheep’s clothing.
“Let us work together to make the coming elections as honest, peaceful and orderly as possible. There is no need to conspire with communist terrorist groups to clinch a victory in the polls. Being matino, mahusay at maasahan is more than enough to ensure your victory in the coming elections,” said Malaya.
President Rodrigo R Duterte issued Proclamation No. 374 on December 5, 2017 declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization under RA 10168.
The CPP-NPA remains listed in the United States and European Union roster of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO).
According to DILG Secretary Eduardo M Año, based on the consolidated figures gathered by the intelligence groups, a total of P195.5-million was accumulated by the CPP-NPA from their various extortion activities nationwide during the 2016 and 2018 polls.
The same intelligence reports revealed that of the 349 officials, 11 are provincial governors; five vice governors; 10 provincial board members; 55 mayors; 21 vice mayors and 41 councilors. Also in the list are 126 barangay chairmen, 50 barangay councilors, and eight other barangay officials.
Last month, the DILG and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) issued a joint statement, reminding aspirants in the May 13 mid-term polls that “financing the NPA and their terror activities will make them criminally and administratively liable under our laws”.
The candidates have also been advised to immediately report to the authorities the extortion activities of the NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.