By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental gubernatorial candidate, incumbent Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, yesterday called on the Philippine Army to reveal the names of local officials said to be supporting the New People’s Army (NPA). He appealed to Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division commander, Major General Dinoh Dolina, who earlier said they have monitored local politicians tapping the terror group for help during the campaign period.

The vice governor pointed out, “No names were mentioned.”

“If they can’t publicly reveal the names they can at least approach the individual officials and tell them their names appear [on] the list of supporters of the NPA,” he added.

Earlier, Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Colonel Benedict Arevalo, said there are at least three mayors working with the rebel group, while reminding candidates to refrain from using the NPA as “private armies.”

He also affirmed tapping assistance from the NPA for a political campaign is illegal./DGB, WDJ