Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., commanding general of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said they are now in “preparatory mode” to counter the anticipated extortion activities of the New People’s Army, through its “permit to win (PTW)” election fund raising scheme.

The practice had been noted as a bid to amass money from candidates seeking national and local posts and had been experienced in the 2010 elections, as the NPA standard operating procedure, like their PTW taxation extortion scheme.

“We are already preparing at this point,” Mabanta said.

He also stressed the importance of intelligence monitoring and vigilance of the people, especially the candidates, who, he said, should inform them in advance of rebel extortion activities, so they could take immediate action.

The 45-day election period for the June 2 special election for the 5th district congressional seat starts today, with the campaign period from May 17 to 31. The filing of certificates of candidacy for May 13, 2013 elections, meanwhile, will be from October 1 to 5 this year.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines had validated in past elections, reports that the CPP-NPA had issued permits to campaign for a certain fee in so-called rebel-influenced, or controlled territories.

Under the new “permit to win” scheme, the rebels are reported to mobilize their political machinery in the countryside to ensure victory for the candidates who pay their fees, the military said.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is expected to furnish the Comelec with a list of probable election hotspots in the 5th district, which is composed of Himamaylan City, Binalbagan, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Castellana and Moises Padilla.

Senior Supt. Allan Guisihan, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, yesterday ordered the six police chiefs in the 5th district today their deployment and disposition of troops, including that of the Philippine Army and Public Safety Company, in connection with the June 2 special elections.

Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they are ready to secure candidates in the so-called rebel-influenced areas, if there is an order from the Comelec.

Lactao said they are also committed to ensure the honest, orderly and peaceful special election in the 5th district of Negros Occidental.

Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol and his nephew, Board Member Emilio Yulo III, initially appear to be heading for a showdown for the congressional seat vacated by the death of Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.

Top officials of the Comelec, Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police in Negros Occidental are expected to meet this week, to discuss the security preparations for the June 2 special elections in the 5th district.* GPB

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