PNP to politicians: Do not collude with rebels
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar on Saturday reiterated his warning on politicians who will continue to collude with lawless elements specifically the CPP/NPA/NDF to get elected in the 2022 national and local elections.
According to the top cop, the PNP would 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 and even giving in to their Permit-to-Campaign and Permit-to-Win demand.
The PNP chief said the last day of the filing of certificate of candidacy and certificate of nomination and acceptance for the 2022 elections was generally peaceful.
“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 Eleazar.
“This would only show desperation and this would also mean that you do not deserve to win,” he added.
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,” 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, Eleazar explained.
