THE commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) warns political candidates not to give in to the extortion demands of the New People's Army (NPA).
Brigadier General Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander said, they are closely watching movements of NPA in trying to address extortion activities. The NPA, he said, during election periods usually ask politicians to pay for their permit to win and permit to campaign.
"We will conduct extensive military operations, kailangan natin ma-ilayo ang mga NPA na hindi sila makapagbigay ng problema sa ating mga kandidato," Gacal said.
"Do not give in, because the moment you give in, makakaabot yan sa ating presidente, kung malaman niya, merong repercussions yan, kung mag give in, lalo nating pinapahaba yung problema natin kasi pag meron silang resources, andun yung recruitment, pagbili ng supply for the atrocities," he added.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has earlier warned all governors, mayors, and all candidates about directly or indirectly giving financial, material, and political support to the communist group.
Section 4 of the Republic Act (RA) No. 10168 otherwise known as "The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012,” states that: “Any person who, directly or indirectly, willfully and without lawful excuse, possesses, provides, collects or uses property or funds or makes available property, funds or financial service or other related services, by any means, with the unlawful and willful intention that they should be used or with the knowledge that they are to be used, in full or in part: (a) to carry out or facilitate the commission of any terrorist act; (b) by a terrorist organization, association or group; or (c) by an individual terrorist, shall be guilty of the crime of financing of terrorism.”
Those found guilty of committing the said provision of RA 10168 shall suffer the penalty of reclusion temporal in its maximum period to reclusion perpetua and a fine of not less than P500,000 nor more than P1 million.