AFP warns Eastern Visayas candidates against NPA demands

The military in Eastern Visayas is warning election candidates against paying the New People’s Army (NPA) for permits to campaign. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) issued this advice as the May 12 midterm elections approach. Lt. Col. Joemar Buban stated that the NPA has lost support in communities and no longer has the power to demand money for campaign permits. He emphasized that candidates should not be misled by the NPA's letters asking for financial contributions in exchange for “permits to win.” In past elections, the NPA has threatened candidates to secure permits in areas they controlled and promised votes in return for funds. However, Buban believes the NPA’s influence has waned significantly, with fewer than 100 active members remaining in the region. This is a decrease from over 400 members in 2019, according to military data. The military is closely monitoring the situation for election-related violence, especially from the remnants of the NPA. Buban expressed confidence that the end of the insurgency in Eastern Visayas is near, thanks to efforts from the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) program initiated in 2019. Since the program began, the military has reported numerous successes, including 461 armed encounters resulting in the deaths of many rebels and the dismantling of over 700 rebel camps. The AFP is committed to reducing security threats as the elections draw nearer.