Eleazar warns politicians vs. giving into Reds 'extortion' as Eleksyon 2022 nears

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar on Monday warned politicians against giving into the extortion demands of communist rebels in the coming elections.

In a statement, Eleazar said Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) members are expected to take advantage of the elections by demanding a “permit-to-campaign fee” from candidates.

“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 said.

Citing President Rodrigo Duterte’s statements, Eleazar said the communist group is considered 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.

Based on the Republic Act 10168, those who will support any terrorist group will face charges.

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.

“Any amount given to the terrorist group would be considered financial support to enable the group to carry out an attack,” he said.

“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.” —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News