PNP beefs up measures vs NPA poll extortion

MANILA, Philippines, October 7 ------ Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has ordered police commanders to intensify law enforcement operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to thwart their extortion activities during the election season. Eleazar issued the directive after President Duterte warned communist rebels and warlords to stay out of the national and local elections, stressing they should be prevented from collecting “permit-to-campaign” fees from politicians.

“I have directed our area commanders to step up their campaign against them because we expect them to spearhead extortion activities on candidates,” he said in a statement in Filipino. Eleazar also reminded politicians and candidates not to give in to the rebels’ demands and instead cooperate with the government to ensure clean and orderly elections next year. He also assured the public that the police would not let their guard down against communist insurgents and other lawless elements who might take advantage of the election season to extort money.

Eleazar urged the people to report the presence of NPA rebels in their areas. He also ordered police units to set in place tougher security measures at venues for filing of certificates of candidacy in anticipation of the influx of political aspirants ahead of tomorrow’s deadline for the filing of COCs. At the same time, Eleazar renewed his appeal to politicians to take the lead in preventing super spreader events by not letting their supporters join them during their filing of COCs at Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices.

“Learn to always follow the rules of the Comelec and the government because it’s the measure of the kind of leadership that we promise our countrymen,” he added. The PNP chief said so far, filing of COCs and certificates of nomination and acceptance (CONA) has been generally peaceful and orderly.

Source: philstar.com