PNP: NPA enforces campaign permits for candidates in rebel-influenced areas

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Rebels: the NPA, seen on this screen grab from YouTube.

The New People’s Army (NPA) in Bicol is not only asking for permit to campaign and permit to win fees from candidates for the May 9 elections but also payment for a permit to carry a gun inside its alleged controlled territory.

This was disclosed by Chief Supt. Augusto M. Marquez Jr., Philippine National Police Bicol regional director.

The Philippine National Police in Bicol acknowledged receiving intelligence reports the New People’s Army in the region ask candidates for the May 9 elections for permit to campaign, permit to win fees and permit to carry a gun inside their controlled territory.

According to regional director Chief Supt. Augusto M. Marquez Jr., his office could not yet confirm the report as no one has complained about the new fund-raising activity of the NPA.

The PNP officer wondered why they have not received any information on who among the candidates have actually availed of the rebels’ imposition of permits even as they are verifying reports that arrangements or payments had already been done before the start of the campaign period.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Allan Martin, assistant division chief of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army stationed in Barangay Sagurong, Pili, Camarines Sur, said there is no formal report from their intelligence community on the imposition of permit to carry firearm for candidates wanting to campaign inside rebel-controlled territories. (PNA / Jorge Hallare)

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