The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) thanked local candidates for their cooperation with the New People’s Army (NPA) when campaigning in guerilla zones.
The CPP said that many candidates and parties have abided with their rules governing the conduct of electoral campaigns in areas where the NPAs operate.
“Political candidates, mostly running for local seats, have generally shown goodwill and properly coordinated with local units of the New People’s Army (NPA) before conducting their campaign sorties in areas where the NPA operate,” CPP chief information officer Marco Valbuena said on Tuesday.
“This coordination is testament to the continuing recognition given by local, as well as national politicians, of the widespread influence and sway of the revolutionary forces and their organs of political power,” Valbuena added.
Valbuena reported “a few instances” when candidates initially refused to adhere to the policies imposed by the NPA but these have been promptly “resolved.”
He said that only the most despotic warlord-type political dynasties, especially those colluding with the military, have displayed resistance against “revolutionary authorities.”
Valbuena said that their policies on electoral campaigning are to ensure the protection of the welfare, rights and interests of civilians who are victims of electoral violence of warlord-politicians.
“More importantly, the NPA is tasked to defend the people from armed goons and police and military escorts that are used to terrorize civilians,” Valbuena said.
The CPP officer said that, among others, candidates are not allowed to bring armed goons into their areas of operation.
He noted that other forms of coercion by corrupt politicians who use public funds in their electoral bid are not tolerated by the NPA.
The CPP’s statement contrasts with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) claims the NPA are no longer a “threat” in the ongoing electoral campaign season, particularly in Negros Island and Eastern Visayas regions.
‘No more permits’
In Negros Island, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas last January claimed they have “dismantled” all NPA fronts in the region and no longer pose a serious threat in this month’s polls.
Escanillas said the Army has not detected “extortion activities” targeting candidates in the region’s upcoming elections but admitted to deploying government troops and operating checkpoints from Jan. 12 to June 11.
Commission on Elections-Negros Island Region Director Lionel Marco Castillano however said that Philippine Army and police have intensified operations to prevent disruptions following clashes in Kabankalan and Guihulngan cities between government troopers and NPA fighters last week.
In Eastern Visayas, the Philippine Army reported on Monday that there is no more collection of “permit to campaign” and “permit to win” fees from the NPA in Leyte Island and some parts of Samar provinces ahead of the May 12 elections.
Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir said there have been no single election-related NPA activity monitored by the military.
‘Cooperation, not coercion’
But Valbuena said that such situation is brought about by the candidates’ cooperation with the NPA rather than claims based on the guerilla army’s supposed diminished strength.
“The NPA forces in Eastern Visayas, which continue to strengthen and deepen ties with the oppressed peasant masses in the region, are closely in touch with local candidates, despite efforts of the military to intimidate and warn them against linking with the revolutionary forces,” Valbuena retorted.
“The AFP repeatedly makes the stupid lie that the NPA issues ‘permits-to-win,’ suggesting that the NPA controls the votes of people,” Valbuena said.
He explained that the permits issued by the NPA are only to ensure that campaign activities of local politicians are conducted peacefully and orderly. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
