The Commission on Elections and the Philippine National Police are now forming a "battle plan" against the anticipated involvement of the New People's Army in the May polls.

Provincial Supervisor of the Comelec Manuel Advincula said intelligence reports from the police and Armed Forces of the Philippines indicate that the NPA will support some local candidates in the coming elections. He said leftist candidates, or those sympathetic to their cause are expected to run in at least two towns in Oriental Negros.

Advincula said that the NPA is expected to ask for some kind of a "campaign fee" from politicians who would like to campaign in areas where insurgents have influence, which, he stressed is illegal.

"Together with the PNP, we are now formulating our battle plan on how to address these concerns," Advincula said. He said they are also bent on soliciting the support from the army if necessary.*RA

back to top