Marco Valbuena, CPP chief information officer, today dismissed claims by a spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that the NPA is engaged in “electoral extorion.” Brig. Gen. Vestuir claimed that they have not monitored any “electoral extortion” of the NPA in both islands of Samar and Leyte on the premise of the NPA’s supposed diminished strength in the Eastern Visayas.
“The NPA forces in Eastern Visayas, which continue to strengthen and deepen ties with the oppressed peasant masses in the region, are closely in touch with local candidates, despite efforts of the military to intimidate and warn them against linking with the revolutionary forces,” said Valbuena.
“The AFP repeatedly makes the stupid lie that the NPA issues ‘permits-to-win,’ suggesting that the NPA controls the votes of people,” said Valbuena, explaining that the permits issued by the NPA is only to ensure that campaign activities of local politicians are conducted peacefully and orderly. Among others, candidates are not allowed to bring armed goons.
In addition, Valbuena thanked candidates and parties taking part in the on-going election campaign of the reactionary government for complying with the rules governing the conduct of election campaign in guerrilla zones, where the revolutionary forces exercise political authority.
“Political candidates, mostly running for local seats, have generally shown goodwill and properly coordinated with local units of the New People’s Army (NPA) before conducting their campaign sorties in areas where the NPA operate,” said CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena.
“This coordination is testament to the continuing recognition given by local, as well as national politicians, of the widespread influence and sway of the revolutionary forces and their organs of political power,” said Valbuena.
“There were a few instances where candidates initially refused to adhere to the policies established by the revolutionary authorities, but these have been promptly resolved,” added Valbuena. “Only the most despotic warlord-type political dynasties, especially those colluding with the military, have displayed intransingence, and subjected the people to their oppression.”
The CPP officer pointed out that the NPA has orders to strictly enforce standing policies during the reactionary elections within their areas of operation. “In line with the policies of the people’s government, the NPA ensures the protection of the welfare, rights and interests of the people,” he said.
“More importantly, the NPA is tasked to defend the people from armed goons and police and military escorts that are used to terrorize civilians,” Valbuena said. He noted that other forms of coercion, use of armed violence will not be tolerated, especially by bureaucrat capitalists who use public funds against the people.
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