Tuesday, March 16, 2010

NPA rebels extorting campaign fees arrested in Quezon

The intensified campaign of the Philippine Army against the continued collection of permit to campaign (PTC) fees by the New People’s Army rebels resulted to the capture of two of its members in Catanuan, Quezon yesterday.

Reports reaching the Philippine Army headquarters disclosed that combined elements of the 74th Infantry Battalion and the Catanuan Police arrested a certain Rhea Pareja @ Kear/Janwa, Deputy Secretary General of the local terrorist group operating in Catanuan, and Leonito Dichoso @ Ka Hector, a local terrorist group member. Pareja has a standing warrant of arrest for murder.

The information regarding the presence of the two NPA rebels was tipped off by the local residents. Recovered from the suspects were two Cal 45 pistols, two grenades, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and a P100, 000 cash. Initial investigation revealed that Pareja and Dichoso were collecting PTC fees when they were apprehended by the authorities.

The continued collection of PTC fees by the NPA poses a threat and hindrance to the conduct of honest, orderly, and peaceful election as it involves force, violence, and coercion. The Philippine Army condemns this outright attack to the right of the people to a free, honest, and orderly election as it vows to intensify its campaign and advocacy. #

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