STOP the New People’s Army from demanding so-called ‘Permit-to-Campaign Fees’ from candidates in the forthcoming 2022 national and local elections this early.

This was the latest order given by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar to all 17 Police Regional Offices and other PNP National Operational Support Units as part of their continuing effort to prevent extortion activities by the NPA during the election period.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier warned communist rebels and political warlords to stay out of the national and local elections next year stressing that NPA members should be prevented from collecting “permit-to-campaign” fees from politicians.

The top cop also ordered more ‘intelligence-driven operations’ against politicians who will be found colluding with crime syndicates and the NPA to get elected in next year’s polls.

Gen. Eleazar particularly warned 2022 poll aspirants that they will not think twice in enforcing the full force of the law against political aspirants if they would be caught working with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF) and even giving in to their Permit-to-Campaign and Permit-to-Win demand.

“Ngayong nagkakaroon na ng linaw ng mga pangalan ng mga tatakbo mula sa nasyonal at lokal na posisyon, inuulit ko ang pakiusap sa ating mga kandidato iwasang makipag-kutsaba sa mga kriminal na grupo lalo na ang CPP-NPA-NDF para lamang manalo,” said Gen. Eleazar.

“This would only show desperation and this would also mean that you do not deserve to win,” he told the candidates.

The CPP-NPA-NDF is known to extort money from candidates in exchange for assurance that no harassment would happen if aspirants would conduct campaign particularly in far-flung areas.

The CPP-NPA-NDFP was also accused of colluding with some erring candidates to secure their victory in areas they claim to have operational control.

“We in the PNP will not hesitate to use the full force of the law against you and those who would give in to the ‘Permit to Campaign and Permit to Win’ of the CPP-NPA-NDF in whatever form. As applicants for government positions, let us work together to put an end not only to communist insurgency but also to the culture of election violence for the sake of the Filipino people, and for the sake of this country,” Gen. Eleazar said.

The same warning against giving in to extortion demand of the CPP-NPA-NDF through “revolutionary taxes” was also given to individuals and businessmen.

Individuals giving cash or material support to the CPP-NPA-NDF are violating the Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 since the three groups were already designated as terrorist organizations, he explained.

Gen. Eleazar said he has ordered the PNP Intelligence Group headed by Brigadier Gen. Neil B. Alinsañgan to build evidence against any politician colluding with the CPP/NPA. The PNP-IG will be aided by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the 17 Police Regional Offices in carrying out the PNP chief’s directive.

“As the national polls draw near, the CPP/NPA is expected to again take advantage of the elections for financial gain through extortion,” the top cop said.

He explained that communist rebels usually profit from the elections by demanding “permit-to-campaign fees” from politicians who plan to run for public office in local or national elections.

Security officials said the CPP/NPA was believed to have amassed nearly P196 million from their so-called ‘extortion’ activities during the 2016 and 2018 elections alone.

The rebels are known for demanding the following amount from candidates planning to campaign in areas where they are known to have a large influence: P300,000-P650,000 for governors and vice-governors; P200,000-P500,000 for mayors; and P50,000-P100,000 for barangay officials.

Those who refuse to heed their extortion demands are subjected to harassments or prevented from campaigning in areas in the countryside where they have a considerable presence.

Security officials said that frequently being targeted for extortion by the leftist rebels are those running for governor, vice-governor, mayor, vice-mayor, board members and even barangay captains.

The PNP encouraged local officials to report and work with local authorities especially the PNP or Armed Forces units in their area if they are being harassed or forced by the Reds to pay revolutionary tax or other form of financial aid to them.

Gen. Eleazar urged the public not to vote for candidates who support or who have links with communist terrorist groups.

The DILG has released Memorandum Circular 2018-211 reminding all local chief executives and LGU officials that giving any form of support to communist rebels is a violation not only of Executive Order 733 but also of Republic Act 10168 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

The PNP chief cited President Duterte’s declaration of the CPP/NPA as a terrorist organization under Proclamation no. 374 in connection with Section 3 (e) (1) of Republic Act 10168.

“Ayon po dito sa Republic Act 10168, nahaharap sa kaso ang sinumang magbibigay ng suportang pinansyal sa alinmang teroristang grupo. Any amount given to the terrorist group would be considered financial support to enable the group to carry out an attack,” he pointed out.

Violation of RA 10168 is punishable with 20 to 40 years of imprisonment and a fine of not less than P500,000. A politician could also have his property, funds, and other assets frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Gen. Eleazar warned that a political candidate may also be held accountable as a principal in terrorist activities under Section 12 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and could face charges under the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.

“Nanawagan po tayo sa mga balak kumandidato sa nalalapit na halalan na huwag po tayo magbibigay ng tinatawag na ‘permit-to-campaign fee’ sa CPP/NPA dahil wala itong pinagkaiba sa pagsuporta sa mga rebeldeng komunista at sa kanilang paghahasik ng karahasan sa ating mga komunidad,” the PNP chief said.

“As public officials or soon to be public officials, you are at all times accountable to the people and must uphold public interest over personal interest,” he added.

Gen. Eleazar said they are pressing their effort to prevent the communist movement from taking advantage of the 2022 elections.

“Inaatasan ko ang ating kapulisan na siguraduhing hindi makakaporma itong mga NPA sa kanilang mga extortion activities. Inaasahan na natin na sasamantalahin ng mga ito ang panahon ng eleksyon para makapangikil sa mga tatakbo sa darating na halalan,” he said.

“Nagpapaalala rin ako sa mga kakandidato na huwag patulan itong ilegal na gawain ng mga rebeldeng komunista. Sama-sama nating siguraduhin na maging malinis at maayos ang eleksyon sa susunod na taon,” he added.

The top cop likewise said that police would continue its vigilance against communist rebels and other local threat groups before, during and even after the elections. He also assured the public that police are not letting their guards down against these lawless elements.

“Nananatiling isang malaking banta sa eleksyon ang CPP-NPA-NDF kaya inatasan ko na ang ating mga area commanders na lalo pang palakasin ang kampanya laban sa kanila dahil naasahan natin na muli na naman silang mangunguna sa mga extortion activities sa mga kandidato,” Gen. Eleazar added.

The PNP chief also asked for the public’s cooperation and appealed to them to immediately report the presence of suspected NPA rebels or other lawless elements in their areas for prompt action by the PNP.