THE number of local officials giving money and support to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Southern Luzon continues to increase based on the revelation of CPP-NPA members who have surrendered to the government.
Lt. General Antonio ‘Jun’ Parlade, Southern Luzon (Solcom) area commander, in a message to Pinoy Exposé, said they now have a total of “74” local officials whom the military identified as “contributors to CPP-NPA funds.”
He also stressed the number is just a “partial list” covering his area of responsibility, hinting it would continue to grow as they continue with their debriefing of the surrendered terrorists.
Solcom comprises the Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions where the CPP-NPA still has a strong presence having established their “mass bases” there as far back as the early ‘70s.
Due to the sensitivity of the information, however, Parlade declined to provide other information for the moment but stressed what they now have is grounded from the testimony and sworn affidavits of the former rebels and could therefore be used as evidence in any court or administrative proceeding.
From the original number he gave to Pinoy Exposé last week that 2 congressmen, 3 governors and 5 mayors were supporters of the communist terrorist groups, Parlade said that two more mayors have been added to their list.
Aside from the elected officials, from the barangay level up to the level of congressman, Parlade said also included are “two district engineers” from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
It can be recalled that the DPWH was in the limelight late last year after Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) commissioner, Greco Belgica, claimed that DPWH engineers and some members of Congress are engaged in corrupt practices together involving projects being implemented by the DPWH.
The scandal prompted DPWH secretary, Mark Villar, to order the relief of 14 district engineers last December 2020, while a department-wide “reshuffle” is expected to be implemented this month.
With the information now in his possession, Parlade called on Villar to also investigate DPWH district engineers, especially those assigned in far-flung provinces, for “supporting armed enemies of the state.”
“I would not speculate at this point why they did what they did or if they are still giving money to these terrorists.
“Only a full-dress investigation can establish the reason behind their decision,” Parlade said, referring to those named in their list.
“But all government officials, from the barangay councilman up to the level of the President and everyone else in between, like the DPWH engineers, all of us have taken an oath of loyalty to our flag and to our government.
“It is our sworn duty to protect and support the government from all its enemies, both foreign and domestic and violating our oath has consequences,” Parlade stressed.
He also reminded those tagged that the CPP-NPA are confirmed terrorist organizations and have been described as such not only by the Philippine government but by other countries as well, such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and by the European Union.
Already, Quezon province fourth district board member, Rhodora ‘Dhoray’ Tan, has found herself in deep trouble after Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary, Eduardo M. Año, ordered the filing of criminal and administrative charges against Tan.
This, after two lower-ranking NPA leaders with standing warrant of arrest were arrested by a joint police-military team last December 26, 2020, at the residence of Tan in the town of Atimonan.
If found guilty, Tan could face up to six years imprisonment and perpetual disqualification to hold any public office, according to the DILG (this is a developing story).