BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – Authorities have filed charges against individuals allegedly involved in terrorism financing linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its allied organizations in Negros Island.
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), through its Regional Operations Division (ROD), announced that six cases were filed for violations of Republic Act No. 10168, also known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. The cases underwent preliminary investigation by the Department of Justice, ensuring due process was followed.
“Terrorism financing is the lifeblood of the CPP-NPA-NDF and other terrorist groups. These funds enable them to purchase arms, ammunition, and other resources to sustain their activities,” said Colonel Gilbert Gorero, ROD chief.
Authorities highlighted the CPP-NPA-NDF’s methods, including extortion, money laundering, and fraudulent fundraising campaigns, which have allegedly been used to fund their operations, including propaganda and electoral sabotage schemes.
For his part, Colonel Erwin Rommel Lamzon, Assistant Division Commander for Administration of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, called the filing of charges a significant milestone in dismantling the group’s financial networks in Panay and the rest of Western Visayas.
“We remain committed to fighting terrorism financing and ensuring justice for the harm these activities inflict on our communities,” Lamzon said.
He also encouraged members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to abandon their armed struggle and return to society through programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Authorities pledged to continue efforts to cut off terrorism financing and to make Western Visayas a peaceful and secure region./PN
