AFP to village poll bets: Reject NPA demands

MANILA, Philippines - The military yesterday reminded candidates of the barangay polls to reject the demands of communist rebels and to work closely with security forces in their respective areas.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces public affairs chief, said giving in to the extortion demands of the New People’s Army (NPA) would enable the group to conduct more atrocities.

“They (barangay bets) should not support the people who seek to destroy our institutions,” Zagala said. 

Zagala called on candidates to coordinate with authorities to ensure a peaceful campaign period. The Commission on Elections earlier had reminded candidates to comply with all the rules governing the campaign period, which kicked off yesterday. The filing of the certificates of candidacy started last Oct. 11 and ended last Thursday.

More than 500,000 are seeking posts in the barangay polls to be held on Oct. 28.