The leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded politicians to refrain from giving in to the extortion demands of the communist rebels through permit-to-campaign fees should they decide to run for public office for the 2022 national and local elections.
PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said they expect the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to force candidates to pay them in exchange for easy access to the areas where they have operational control.
The modus, according to Eleazar, is through permit-to-campaign fees wherein communist rebels would threaten politicians of harassments through ambushes if they fail to pay. The military also warned before against the so-called permit to win modus of the CPP-NPA wherein the rebels allegedly would work to ensure victory of candidates in some remote areas in exchange for huge sum of money.
“As the national polls draw near, the CPP/NPA is expected to again take advantage of the elections for financial gain through extortion," said Eleazar.
“I want to remind persons planning to run in the elections that giving in to this demand for money by the CPP/NPA, would mean giving the communist rebels financial support and would make them liable for violation of several special laws including the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,” he added.
He cited President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s declaration of the CPP/NPA as a terrorist organization under Proclamation no. 374 in connection with Section 3 (e) (1) of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism and Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
Violation of RA 10168 is punishable with 20 to 40 years of imprisonment and a fine of not less than P500,000. A politician could also have his property, funds, and other assets frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
Eleazar warned that a political candidate may also be held accountable as a principal in terrorist activities under Section 12 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and could face charges under the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.
“As public officials or soon to be public officials, you are at all times accountable to the people and must uphold public interest over personal interest," said Eleazar.