Negrense solon tagged as drug lord, rebel supporter

A CONGRESSMAN from the northern part of Negros Occidental has been tagged by former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as an alleged supporter of the rebel group and an alleged drug lord in the province.

One of the four rebel returnees, in a media interview in Sagay City yesterday, said the politician, whom he refused to name, is reportedly supporting the rebel group by providing them with firearms and ammunition.

“These armed groups are responsible for initiating revolutionary MOVENEGROS ment,” he said.

They are the ones creating damage, and conflict among the farmers, he added.

He said: “I hope the government, especially President Rodrigo Duterte will realize that this politician is causing trouble here.”

He is calling the President to probe the politician and his illegal activities, and connection with the NPA.

“This is the reason why more crimes exist in our area and armed groups cannot be located. Someone is behind them,” he said.

Meanwhile, they clarified they are not members of a private armed group of politicians in the province.

For his part, Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commanding officer of the 303rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said he was surprised about the revelations he heard during the press briefing.

“Nakakatindig balahibo (It gave me goosebumps),” he added.

Arevalo said he is in favor if the allegation will also be included in the congressional inquiry.

“We do not have interest in politics but we just want to know the truth,” he added.*