Police foresee rise in extortion activities during election period

CEBU, Philippines - Police call on the public to be extra cautious in dealing with strangers especially in the upcoming 2010 elections, otherwise they will end up victims of extortionists who are reportedly mostly members of the New People’s Army.

This was the warning of Sr. Supt. Augusto Marquez, director of Negros Oriental Police Office, who said that 80 percent of the complaints for extortion in Central Visayas came from Negros Oriental.

Marquez, who was the guest speaker in yesterday’s Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) forum at Club Ultima in Cebu City, said that it is anticipated that extortionists will reappear in next year’s elections especially with politicians campaigning for their candidacies.

At present, Negros Oriental is encountering an insurgency problem that both the police and military authorities are trying to address.

Marquez said that extortionists in their province used to victimize small farmers by asking money from them in exchange for farm facilities.

Nevertheless, Marquez said, NPAs in Negros Oriental are already manageable and “they are just effective in extorting money.” — Niña G. Sumacot/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)