Poll bets told to report rebels’ extortion activities

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday asked politicians to report extortion activities of members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and other lawless elements who demand money in exchange for permits to campaign in rebel-infested areas.

“We would like to encourage those who have been affected or those who have been victimized by this extortion activities to come forward and file and lodge a complaint against these extortionists,” PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said in a televised interview.

“Let us know. Who are these people threatening them? Who are these people [and] armed groups demanding money or conducting extortion against them?” he also said.

Banac assured politicians that the police can provide ample security during their campaign sorties.

He added that incidents of extortion by NPA rebels have been reported in the Bicol, Davao and Caraga regions. /. gsg