Rebel group warns bets engaged in vote-buying, intimidation
ROXAS CITY – New People’s Army (NPA) rebels under the Nonito Aguirre Sr. Command – Eastern Front Committee, Panay Island warned that they would punish candidates who engage in vote-buying and intimidation.
In a one page document furnished to The News Today (TNT), the rebel group singled out the Ugyon Kita Capiz (UKC) for allegedly engaging in vote-buying and intimidation among voters particularly in the 2nd district of Capiz.
“Sa gitna ng mga kumpirmadong ulat na nag-umpisa na sa mga bayan ng Jamindan, Mambusao, at Cuartero, sa probinsya ng Capiz, ang vote-buying at pananakot ng grupo nina Jocjoc Bolante at Baby Jane Castro, ang Nonito Aguirre Sr. Command sa Eastern Front-Panay ay mahigit na nagbigay babala, lalo na sa mga Mayor na nagpapatupad ng vote-buying, indelible ink operation, at pananakot sa mga mamayan,” the letter reads.
“Ang New People’s Army (NPA) ay hindi naniwala na ang election ang sagot sa batayang problema ng mga mahihirap na Pilipino, ngunit mahigit nilalabanan ng NPA and anumang uri ng pagsamantala sa Sambayanan,” it added.
No one could attest to the authenticity of the unsigned letter from the said group but it already circulated in the local tri-media.
In reaction to this, Bolante, vice chair of UKC and running for governor, said that the rebels should also watch the Roxases who earlier announced to use money in order to win in Capiz.
“Why don’t they watch the Roxases who have publicly said that they will use the ‘herencia’ of Rhea (Sen. Mar Roxas’ sister) to make their candidates in Capiz win?”, Bolante said in his text message.
Bolante is facing Liberal Party (LP) bet Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr while Mrs. Baby Jane Castro, wife of outgoing Rep. Fredenil Castro, is running against Ret. General Roberto “Bobby” Lastimoso, former PNP chief, in congressional race in 2nd district.
