ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, General Andres C. Centino on Wednesday said they have observed a big reduction in the so-called “Permit-to-Campaign Fees” being asked by the New People’s Army (NPA) from politicians and attributed the decrease in rebel taxation to the reduced capabilities of the guerrilla movement.

“We have observed that their (NPA) permit-to-campaign fees imposed on candidates have gone down compared to the previous two to 3 elections. Nabawasan na talaga ang capabilities nila dahil maraming sumurrender, maraming bumaba galing sa bundok,” the AFP chief said during the 4th Comelec Command Conference at Camp Crame presided by Comelec (Commission on Elections) Chairman Saidamen B. Pangarungan.

Gen. Centino also thanked the Comelec for passing a resolution that considers the act of giving funds to the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)/NPA as an election offense punishable by law.

“If we compare our records, talagang mas rampant noon ang Permit-to-Campaign ng NPAs. Kaya lang na-redcued na natin ang capabilities nila to do extortion,” he said.

The AFP chief and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos, said they are 100% ready to ensure security during the May 9 national and local elections.

“We are ready, we’ve done the planning, and we’re declaring a red alert on Friday,” said Centino.

Gen. Carlos said that the PNP is already on full alert and will ensure that all security concerns will be fully addressed before, during, and after the elections.

The PNP chief said his general reminder for his men is to follow instructions from the Comelec.

He said that at 12:01 a.m. on May 8, Sunday, they will implement a nationwide liquor ban and watch for possible poll violations.

He also called on the candidates to refrain from campaigning on Sunday. “Ang gusto natin ay sundin ng lahat ang batas. Makaboto ang lahat ng tao na walang takot and they will have the free will to choose our next leader,” Gen. Carlos said.

The top cop said they will also be strictly mounting a campaign to stop “vote-buying”.

“Hindi po tayo papayag sa vote-buying kaya ang order ko sa kapulisan ay to follow the money trail and file charges against violators,” he said.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander Admiral Artemio M. Abu also expressed their readiness to ensure clean, honest, and peaceful polls on Monday.