By Ronron
March 7, 2007
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating reports that six local candidates in the Bicol Region have already started paying “permit-to-campaign” (PTC) fees to the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
Region V Police Director Chief Supt. Ricardo Padilla said he has received “raw reports” from their operatives and intelligence agents that six candidates have allegedly given the NPA either money or materials so they could campaign in communist-infested villages in the region.
Padilla, however, refused to identify the six and their locations pending the verification of the reports.
“I am not saying that this is totally true. This might all be wrong. That’s why we are validating this,” Padilla said.
He said that aside from “thousands to millions” worth of money, the candidates also pay the PTC fees in the form of food or firearms.
Upon receipt of this report, PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Calderon ordered a thorough investigation, and warned all candidates at the same time not to give in to the NPA’s extortion activities, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said yesterday.
In a statement, Pagdilao said Calderon warned that “politicians who “donated” to the coffers of the enemies of the State will face criminal charges for disloyalty punishable under the Revised Penal Code, and as co-conspirators in the crime of rebellion.”
If proven, they will also be subjects of complaint for disqualification to be raised by the PNP to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“These candidates do not deserve the mandate of the people because their loyalty to our country and the Constitution is highly questionable,” Calderon said in the statement./DMS
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