Don't give in to NPA's demands, poll candidates told
-A A +ASaturday, February 16, 2013
MANILA -- Candidates in this year's midterm elections have been urged not to give in to the demands of the New People’s Army (NPA) asking huge amount of money in exchange for permit to campaign in rebel strongholds.
In an interview over state-run dzRB radio, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte appealed to the poll candidates to report to authorities if they are approached by the rebels.
"That (paying the rebels) is not something that is required, that is not something that is tolerated," said Valte.
Earlier this week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that the NPA is charging as high as five million pesos per candidate in exchange for permit to campaign and permit to win.
The AFP said the communist rebels campaign fees ranged from P50,000 to P5 million: Candidates for governor - P5 million, vice governor or congressman - P500,000, provincial board member or mayor - P100,000,
vice mayor - P75,000, and councilor - 50,000. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)
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