By Jennifer P. Rendon
Giving money or financial favors to the New People’s Army (NPA) is futile, according to Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade.
Samson addressed whether political candidates are supporting the NPA for their election bids during the launch of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) for the 2025 national and local elections on November 6 in Iloilo City.
“We have not monitored any such activity. How can they support a group that is already dismantled?” he said.
Samson stated that the remaining NPA members are more focused on evading government troops.
He noted that for the past two years, NPA rebels have been on the run.
“We’re closing in on them and continuing operations against the remaining rebels. Hopefully, they will surrender,” he said, adding, “it’s just a matter of time.”
Given these conditions, he questioned, “What group would politicians even approach when there is practically no group left to talk with?”
Previously, the 3rd Infantry Division said their recent combat successes would strengthen efforts to declare a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Western Visayas.
Joint Security Body Launched
The RJSCC for the 2025 national and local elections was launched on November 6 at the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) headquarters in Camp Delgado, Iloilo City.
Representatives from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other government agencies attended the event.
Atty. Dennis Ausan, COMELEC-6 regional director, stated that provincial, city, and municipal JSCCs would also be convened throughout the region.
Ausan noted that the RJSCC will meet regularly to ensure a peaceful election process leading up to the May 12 elections.
He also announced that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are now part of the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC).
The RJSCC convened in accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 11067, which outlines rules on prohibitions related to firearms, explosives, and security personnel during the election period, as well as guidelines for checkpoints and the declaration of election areas of concern.
The RJSCC will enforce the gun ban policy and manage security detail exemptions.
Ausan added that the Commission will release the procedures for applying for security details during the election period.
Following the launch, the RJSCC is expected to reactivate its security monitoring center to oversee events related to election management.
