In response to extortion allegations raised by two businessmen in Bacolod City against the New People’s Army (NPA), the insurgent group denied the claims over the weekend with Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson for the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command in Negros, issuing a statement insisting there is no truth behind the allegations.
The victims claimed the group extorted P30,000 in cash.
Magbanua said the NPA never makes calls when collecting their “revolutionary tax,” pointing out, such transactions are made via an official letter. Afterwards, a “fair” negotiation between them and the client.
The rebels accused the army, police, and the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade of being behind the extortion calls.
They also pointed out the timing of the allegations as the Bacolod City government recently declared the NPA “persona non-grata.”
Magbanua also denied involvement in the construction site shooting at Sitio Pataan in Bago City last August.
Last week, two businessmen visited Police Station 4 (PS4) after they were allegedly extorted by individuals claiming to be members of the NPA. PS4 commander, Police Major Reynante Jomocan, said the two visited the station after they received calls from individuals claiming to be NPA insurgents.
According to the victims, the individuals said they would not harass their businesses if they gave them P30,000. However, Jomocan said it is possible those behind the phone calls may not be insurgents and only using the NPA name.
The police commander advised the victims to block the phone numbers in order to avoid being victimized in the future./DGB, WDJ