2 alleged rebels in Caraga bare funds from construction firms

Two alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the police in the Caraga region, and divulged that some of their funds came from two construction companies.

The two rebels were among the 13 who yielded to authorities and turned over high-caliber firearms as they bid their life in the jungles farewell, according to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta.

In an affidavit "Ka Ann" said she had been collecting 'revolutionary taxes' from several businesses as the finance officer.

From 2016 to 2018, she said the two construction firms were able to give at least P3 million every year to their group.

“Bilang isang finance officer, ako ang nakikipagusap sa mga kumpanya na totoong sumusuporta sa kilusan...salapi na pambili ng armas,” she said.

(As a finance officer, I am the one talking to the companies that support the movement. ...money to buy weapons.)

Although it is not clear whether they provided the funds voluntarily or under compulsion, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) previously issued a warning against giving any financial and material support to the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP), which are considered terrorist groups by the Anti-Terrorism Council.

“Meron tayong mga ebidensya ng bank transaction at bank transfer na nakita po ng ating Anti-Money Laundering Council. Bukod pa rito ang salaysay ng mga nagsisukong rebelde kung saan isinasalaysay nila kung paano itong mga construction companies na ito ay nagbibigay ng pera sa kanila,” said Police Regional Director (PRO 13), Brigadier General Kirby John Kraft.

(We have evidence of bank transactions and bank transfers that our Anti-Money Laundering Council has seen. In addition, the surrendered rebels' narrative tells how these construction companies give them money.)

Along with the Department of Justice and AMLC, the PNP Caraga filed a complaint against two construction companies in Surigao, which did not respond to any calls and texts from the media.

"This is in violation of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012," Kraft added.

According to PNP-PRO 13, this is the first time such a case has been filed against a private company. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News