Monday, April 14, 2008 Politicians giving aid to rebel: military By Carlo P. Mallo
WANTED rebel leader Leonardo Pitao, commonly known as Commander Parago, is a regular visitor to Davao City, going around in vehicles provided to him by moneyed supporters, including politicians.
"He has been visiting the city on board 4x4 vehicles provided by politicians and businessmen who have allied themselves with the rebel movement," said Philippine Army 73rd Infantry Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Ambal in an interview Friday.
Another intelligence source of Sun.Star Davao said there are politicians and businessmen, identified as having links to the rebel leader, who are now the subject of investigation.
Ambal, however, refused to name the politicians or comment on the investigation.
Pitao was reportedly spotted in Davao City last week leading a group of armed rebels who attempted to burn a tower of Globe Telecommunications in the Paquibato district.
Ambal added that manhunt operations against the notorious leader are ongoing.
The rebel group tried to torch a tower of Globe Telecommunications in Paquibato district but the military was able to thwart the attack by engaging the rebel group in a firefight that lasted for almost 10 minutes before the rebel group fled.
