Prove there are politicians with NPA links

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) previously warning about the possibility of politicians with links with the New People’s Army (NPA), pointing out some have previously used NPA rebels as “goons,” La Castellana Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said the military must prove their claims.

During a visit to the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City yesterday, she claimed, if public servants are sincere, “nobody would support the NPA.”

The mayor added, based on recent meetings with her local Peace and Order Council, there is no notable NPA presence in her locality.

Over the weekend, select members of the media received a list of 72 individuals allegedly involved with the NPA. Among those listed were local and retired politicians, barangay officials, and a clergyman.

Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Colonel Benedict Arevalo, confirmed some of the names match with a separate list compiled by the AFP, although, he pointed out, it is not their current objective to pursue legal charges against those on the list and instead they will bring the matter to the attention of those named, who will be advised not to engage with the rebel group./DGB, WDJ