BSKE candidates told: Don’t work with NPA to secure win

PEOPLE running for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in October have been warned not to work or engage with communist rebels to secure a seat in public office.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said Monday, May 29, 2023, that individuals who will deal with communist rebels, particularly the New People’s Army (NPA), especially to seek their assistance to ensure victory in the upcoming polls may face charges in relation to Republic Act (RA) 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

He cited instances in the past where candidates were made to pay “permit to campaign and win fees” by the NPA rebels.

“Let me caution candidates who will fall for this election racket of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA that any form of monetary or material support to the CPP-NPA, a terrorist organization, is tantamount to ‘terrorist financing’ that is punishable under RA 11479,” said Acorda.

“And if the donor or giver is an incumbent barangay or SK official, the crime is further aggravated by willful disloyalty to their oath of office,” he added.

Acorda said that for now, the PNP has yet to foresee any serious concern that may disrupt the conduct of a peaceful BSKE in October, but he maintained that the PNP is continuously monitoring the situation on the ground.

He said the PNP is continuously monitoring the activities of the NPA for “possible conduct of atrocities.”

In Negros Oriental, where the spate of violence reportedly increased following the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo, Acorda said assessment is ongoing amid recommendations to place the entire province under the control of the Commission on Elections.

There was also a proposal from Sen. Francis Tolentino to postpone the BSKE in Negros Oriental to prevent the escalation of the tension.

Acorda said the same assessment is also being conducted in several areas in the Bangsamoro region in a bid to ensure peace and order during the BSKE./