Candidates in the local and national elections this year may enter unharmed the so-called controlled areas of the New People's Army in the hinterland barangays of Oriental Negros, if they give an M-16 Armalite rifle as permit fee or gate pass.

This was revealed by captured and self-confessed Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army leader Raul Villar, alias Ka Drilon, in an interview with the DAILY STAR. Villar, who claims to be a squad leader of the NPA's Larangan Guerilla 5 in Southern Negros, disclosed that the tactical permit to campaign in their areas had been existing for a long time.

In Oriental Negros, he said many politicians had given them firearms, but he refused to reveal their names.

Villar said a member of the underground movement is tasked to negotiate with prospective candidates. For a line-up from mayor to councilors, a M-16 rifle is required as gate pass, and it could be more for higher elective positions.

On the other hand, Villar stressed the so-called tactical permit to campaign is in support of the Commission on Elections gun ban, adding that rebels conduct "agaw-armas" or seizure of firearms against candidates who enter their areas without paying the campaign fees.

He, however, did not disclose if they are supporting certain candidates in the coming elections.*JG

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