Negros Occidental execs supporting NPA rebels — AFP

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — More than 30 local government officials in Negros Occidental have been supporting New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, an official said yesterday.

Col. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, did not identify the local officials, whom he said include mayors and vice mayors, with a majority of them councilors.

Arevalo said these local government officials are giving financial and logistical support to NPA guerrillas in exchange for their services as private armed groups, especially during elections.

“If our reports are strong enough, we will forward these to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for investigation,” Arevalo said.

He reminded local government officials of a memorandum circular that prohibits local officials from supporting communist rebels.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año had earlier warned local government officials and candidates in the May elections against giving any form of material and political support to communist rebels.

Año said violators face life imprisonment and a fine of P1 million under Section 4 of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.