New People's Army collected P200 million from candidates — DILG

MANILA, Philippines — Communist rebels collected P200 million in so-called permits to campaign and win fees from candidates in  previous elections, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Almost P200 million was raised, but this is only what we know,” DILG Assistant Secretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said in an interview over ANC yesterday.

Malaya said the amount is a “conservative” estimate.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año had earlier said NPA rebels collected money from candidates in the national elections in 2016 and barangay polls last year to allow them to campaign in communist-infested areas.

Malaya said extortion by NPA rebels is rampant in Bicol, Southern Tagalog, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Davao.

Citing intelligence reports, the DILG said NPA rebels demanded P20 million from presidential candidates, P10 million from those running for vice president, up to P5 million from senatorial bets, P300,000 to P650,000 from congressional candidates and P50,000 to P650,000 from local bets.

Malaya said they have no information if there were candidates for president, vice president and senator who gave money to the rebels.

“This is an open secret, which authorities have swept under the rug. We are now taking a firm stand,” Malaya said.