By NITZ ARANCON, Correspondent .
THE military has accused the New People’s Army (NPA) of taking advantage of the election period to raise funds in Misamis Oriental.
Col. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army’s 403rd Brigade, said the NPA has been asking politicians for a minimum of P50 thousand as “campaign protection” fee each in the province.
Payment would allow politicians to campaign in NPA-influenced villages in Misamis Oriental, said de Leon.
“The amount will increase as election day approaches,” he told local officials during a security briefing given to the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Misamis Oriental chapter at Camp Evangelista on Friday.
De Leon said at least 30 barangays in Misamis Oriental’s 1st and 2nd Districts are in the military’s watchlist because of rebel activities in the areas. Even two hinterland barangays in Cagayan de Oro–Besigan and Tuburan–are being watched, he said.
“Naka-established na sila ug mga contact ug na-a pay ilang nasudlan nga mga sitios,” de Leon said.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
 of taking advantage of the election period to raise funds in Misamis Oriental.){kind=link}