Reds target 5th district towns in extortion frenzy
At least three towns in Northern Iloilo are under threat from massive extortion activities of communist terrorists belonging to the Chiva Waling-Waling Command of the New People's Army (NPA).
With letters sent to households in far-flung barangays, the demand ranges from P300 for "regular" families while up to P5,000 is demanded from those with family members working abroad. The extortion attempts have reached the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) here reason why a new advisory is up for locals to report the matter to authorities.
In an interview, Captain Lowen Gil Marquez, AFP Commanding Officer of the 32nd Civil Relations Group confirmed the report to The News Today (TNT) as he assured that AFP action is underway.
The extortion letters are dropped off by two motorcycled men to barangay officials. Validation made by the TNT disclosed the duo as Ka Jeffrey and Ka Marion.
"We are once again warning our brothers and sisters in the Fifth District not to fall victims to these terrorists. Do not give in to their demands," Captain Marquez appealed.
Reports further said that the affected locals are seeking to arm themselves in the wake of the extortion rounds of the communists terrorists.
Captain Marquez in the AFP's validation said the targeted towns are Lemery, San Dionisio and Sara, Iloilo. Three barangays in San Dionisio were identified to have the most in targets namely barangays Odiongan, Cubay and Conchita.