Some local execs in NoCot helping NPA: Army

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Some local officials in North Cotabato have been giving assistance to the communist New Peoples Army (NPA) in the province, a military official said Saturday.

“These officials have already established communications with the communist rebels,” Lt. Col. Rhodjun Rosales, Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion commander, said in a radio interview.

Rosales declined to reveal the names of the local officials, saying it is the Department of the Interior and Local Government that has the authority to render appropriate action on the erring local executives.

Rosales admitted that some local officials could not say “no” to the rebels for fear of retaliation from the communist group, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States.

“Steps are underway to stop this nefarious activity of the rebels,” Rosales said. (PNA)