NTF-ELCAC behind extortion issue, says NPA-Negros spox

BACOLOD City – New People’s Army (NPA)-Negros Island spokesperson Ka Juanito Magbanua tagged the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as the culprit in the extortion issue against the rebels.

“They want to subdue local government units for the military to have free reign and be able to suck dry funds of the Bacolodnons into the pockets of AFP generals and criminal bureaucrats,” Magbanua said in a statement.

The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of NPA Negros expressed through a statement issued today suspicion over the extortion complaint of two businessmen turning up after the Bacolod City Council declared the NPA as persona non grata.

Magbanua noted the obvious scheme of cooking up a situation to justify another round of illegal arrests of civilians and progressive groups critical of the Duterte regime.

“It is possible that innocent civilians in Bacolod City will again be tagged as members and finance officers of the NPA and evidences will be planted against them,” he warned.

Magbanua categorically denies the NPA’s alleged involvement in extortion activities in Bacolod City.

“It is not NPA protocol to demand money from businessmen through cellphones,” said Magbanua.

“This, however, is an extortion modus of members of the AFP/PNP/RPA,” he added.

Magbanua further clarifies that the NPA did not open fire at heavy equipment of Amphil construction firm last August 2019 in Bago City.

He explained that the NPA follows a just process in implementing revolutionary taxation through official letters and with both parties agreeing based on just negotiations.

“Revolutionary taxation is not extortion because it is a basic right of the People’s Democratic Government that has its own laws, policies and principles,” Magbanua said.

“The existence of the revolutionary government for more than 50 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines is supported by the broad masses and they enjoy social services from the People’s Democratic Government,” he added.

The NPA will be celebrating the 51 years of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ leadership of the Philippine revolutionary movement this December 26, 2019.