DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / May 13, 2013) – New People’s Army rebels have detained 7 members of the police regional traffic management group in Davao City in southern Philippines, a spokesman said.
Simon Santiago said the prisoners were escorting a village official bringing money to a politician to buy votes in Monday’s local and national elections.
He identified the prisoners as Edgardo Butad, Erald James Cajeras Sr., Vincent Dela Torre, Abdul Azis Ali Jr., Ariel Carbule, Edmond Trinidad and Rusalito Caranguit. They were arrested in Paquibato district, a known stronghold of communist rebels in Davao City.
He said four village leaders also handed over to the NPA envelopes containing money allegedly given by Congresswoman Mylene Garcia to buy votes.
The allegations could not be immediately verified, but rebels have previously warned politicians against campaigning in so-called guerrilla zones. The NPA has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
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