WVisayas poll bets warned vs hiring rebels, armed men

B 6 (PRO-6) warned politicians in Western Visayas running in the May 13 midterm elections to refrain from getting the services of rebels and private armed groups (PAGs) to ensure the peaceful conduct of polls.

Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, PRO- 6 director, said he had a list of names of these local candidates but refused to reveal them as they were still validating these.

“Getting the services of rebels and PAGs is a form of cheating. We are warning these candidates to stop their nefarious activities,” he said.

Bulalacao said local candidates would likely use rebels and PAGs to intimidate voters and their op- ponents, but warned they would use the full force of law against these candidates.

“We encourage the public to expose these candidates. They don’t deserve a seat in our government,” Bulalacao pointed out.

Security measures, including checkpoints and enforcement of the gun ban, have been in effect since the election period began on January 13 for the elections.

Bulalacao added that PRO- 6 was also receiving intelligence reports that rebels, particularly the New People’s Army (NPA), have sent letters to several politicians offering their services.

The rebels have set their rates from P100,000 to P500,000 for their services, Bulalacao said.

Col. Alberto Desoyo of the 301st Infantry Brigade said the letters were from the NPA’s Central Front Committee.

He said it was intensifying its operations in areas across the region where rebel presence was reported.

“Our men are deployed to hinterland barangay ( villages) for military operations to monitor movement of rebels and conduct offensive operations to neutralize them,” Desoyo added.