A MILITARY official confirmed Wednesday, April 24, that they are monitoring at least six candidates suspected of "giving in" to the demands of the communist New People's Army (NPA) in Misamis Oriental.
Lieutenant Colonel Roy Anthony Derilo, 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) commander, said they are validating the information about these candidates and politicians who were said to be supporting the NPA rebels.
"Mga six candidates ang na-monitor natin and we need more information from other sources from the intelligence community para ma-validate nato nga ga-support sila. But there could be more na di namin na account other than the six," Derilo said.
But he said most of the local chief executives in the province have claimed they no longer received calls or text messages from the NPA reels who were asking monetary demands during the previous elections.
"Kadagahanan sa mga local chief executives nag-ingon nga wala na daw sila texti or gitawagan (Many of the local chief executives said they no longer receive text messages or calls)," he added.
Derilo also said candidates who were validated to have supported the NPA without reporting and seeking assistance from the military can be tagged as NPA supporters and therefore, they could be arrested.
He said aside from the six, another candidate reported to the military that the NPA has sent an extortion letter.
"As far as the government is concerned, they are supporting the communist terrorists. We have reports and subject for validation. Bawal yun and pwede silang hulihin," Derilo said.
Provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) supervisor Aleli Dayo-Ramirez said candidates who were said to be supporting the NPA could not yet face disqualification unless someone files a petition before the poll body.
"Dili siya outright ma-disqualify dapat naay mag file og case,"Ramirez said.
"It may not become a case but certainly the government, the president will take note of this candidates who were providing money to the weakening NPA terrorists," Derilo added.