Extortion gave NPA P25M in 2012–AFP

MANILA, Philippines—The New People’s Army (NPA) raised P25 million from extortion fees in 2012, the military said in a statement on Friday.

With the start of the campaign season for the May midterm elections, communist insurgents are expected to step up their extortion activities, the Armed Forces said.

On Thursday, military spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Burgos said NPA rebels in Eastern Samar are demanding P1 million from gubernatorial candidates for the permit to campaign.

The latest data from the AFP revealed a much higher rate—P5 million for the gubernatorial candidates; P500,000 for candidates for vice governors and congressmen; P100,000 for mayors and board members, P75,000 for vice mayors and P50,000 for councilors.

The military said that in the 2010 elections, the communist insurgents issued color coded cards with serial numbers and “provisions” to candidates who paid for permits to campaign.

The military said these extortion activities by the communist insurgents violate civil liberties such as freedom of speech and assembly.