Army to secure poll bets campaign routes

Politicians are reminded anew to avoid paying to the New People’s Army permit to campaign or permit to win as they try to court support of the voters particularly in the hinterlands.

302nd Brigade Commanding Officer Col. Cesar Yano urged poll bets not to tolerate the practice of communist rebels of collecting election fees so they can campaign freely in areas with rebel presence.

He advised the politicians to inform the Philippine Army in advance where they intend to conduct campaign sorties so that the routes and the areas can be secured by government forces.

The military has long warned politicians not to pay the rebels so they can be allowed to campaign in hinterland barangays because it would appear they are helping the communist movement to increase its strength and capacity to launch anti-government attacks.

Yano vowed to work closely with the Commission on Elections particularly in securing areas that will be placed under COMELEC control. He assures the poll body, that the military is committed to ensure peaceful, honest and free elections in 2009.