MANILA, Philippines ? The Commission on Human Rights on Thursday slammed the New People?s Army?s ?permit to campaign? scheme, calling it an ?extortion? by ?non-state actors? who have regard for free, fair and genuine elections.

In an eight-page advisory sent to media and other government agencies, CHR chairperson Leila de Lima said the communist rebels ?permit to campaign? policy violates the people?s right to make an informed choice of their leaders.

?This practice arrogates to the requiring group the powers rightfully belonging to the people and lawfully designated authorities. It disregards the rule of law, and scoffs at the principles of free, fair and genuine elections,? de Lima said.

?The ?permit to campaign scheme? which, in plain language, is a form of extortion being perpetrated by the New Peoples Army and other non-state actors, is repugnant in all possible ways to valued human rights principles and standards, not only of candidates and political parties, but of the individual voters as well,? she added.

De Lima was reacting to news reports on the fees reportedly being asked by the communist guerillas from candidates who would want a harassment free campaign in rebel infested areas across the country.

In the advisory, the CHR cited the basic principles of human rights that would be violated with the permits, including the rights to electoral participation and to suffrage.

Also violated, according to de Lima, are the rights to equality, free expression, freedom of movement, and freedom against discrimination.

De Lima reminded the communist guerillas of their obligations under the international humanitarian law.

?This advisory serves as a reminder to the NPA and other non-state actors that they too have obligations and liabilities for human rights violations under international law,? she said.

?This is also our way of educating the public on the ill effects of this practice which should never be countenanced by the candidates, political parties and the authorities. Not only is it an unfair and illegal electoral practice, but it cuts deep into the very essence of free and genuine suffrage.?