THREE months ago, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency issued a notice that the communist-led New People’s Army was poised to collect millions of pesos through “permit-to-campaign” and “permit-to-win” fees they collect from candidates running for elective posts.
This seasonal “money-making” scheme of the rebels, however, may be facing a definitive end in the forthcoming elections, according to military officials. From the north to the southern parts of the country, the military claimed, the NPA had lost vast grounds to the government, not mentioning the attrition of its key and capable leaders as a result of sustained military operations.
With the fast approaching local and national elections, Costelo said, they have already alerted all units under the tactical and operational control of the area command to heighten their security and surveillance in their areas, aside from deploying forces in strategic locations within Nolcom’s areas of operations.
Before he retired as chief of the Philippine National Police, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, who is gunning for a senatorial slot under the Partido Reporma, prodded candidates to shun paying the fees being imposed or demanded by the NPA, saying such is a violation of the law and tantamount to funding their operations and continued existence.
Of the number, 11 are governors, five are vice governors, 10 are provincial board members, 55 are mayors, 21 are vice mayors, 41 are councilors and more than 175 are barangay officials, including chairmen.
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