PNP warns poll bets against colluding with Reds

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police warned against candidates colluding with lawless elements—particularly communist rebels—to ensure their victory in the May 2022 elections.

“We in the PNP will not hesitate to use the full force of the law against you and those who would give in to the ‘permit to campaign’ and ‘permit to win’ of the CPP-NPA-NDFP in whatever form,” Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the PNP, said on Friday.

He was referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and its armed and political wings, the New People’s Army (NPA), and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Eleazar said individuals giving cash or material support to the CPP-NPA-NDFP were violating Republic Act No. 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. —Dexter Cabalza