PNP says politicians, individuals supporting NPA may face raps

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde warned on Monday that election candidates, private individuals, and other entities providing financial support to the New People’s Army (NPA) may face charges.

His warning came after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that 349 government officials acquiesce to the permit-to-campaign fees or other extortion activities of the NPA in Red-infested areas.

READ: DILG says 349 gov’t officials financing NPA

“I would like to caution candidates, private individuals, and juridical entities, who willfully donate to the coffers of the enemies of the state of possible criminal liability for violation of RA 10168 or The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012,” the PNP chief said in a press conference.

“Aside from the crime of financing of terrorism, the act of giving any amount or item of value to the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA is tantamount to disloyalty punishable under the Revised Penal Code,” he said.

According to Albayalde, the “donors” may also be held liable as co-conspirators in the crime of rebellion if proven that the fee given to NPA rebels was part of a conspiracy to overthrow the government.

He likewise warned public officials seeking re-election that the crime is further aggravated by a violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials.

In December 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 374 that declares the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization under Republic Act 10168.

The CPP-NPA remains listed in the United States and European Union roster of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, according to Albayalde. /ee