NPA bodyguards hired
BY POLL BETS
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The military yesterday confirmed that some politicians in the Western Visayas have hired the services of New People's Army rebels to act as their “bodyguards” in the May elections next year, Capt. Mark Andrew Posadas, 3 rd Infantry Division Information Officer, said.

Posadas said they cannot ascertain yet the motivations of politicians hiring the services of rebels as their security escorts, but that they probably were either been old-time supporters, or they are being threatened.

“One thing is certain,” he added, “their political ambitions outweigh the security of our state”.

Negros Occidental Elections Provincial Supervisor Jessie Suarez yesterday warned candidates for the May 2010 polls, especially their armed security contingents, to strictly comply with the total gun ban that takes effect from January 10 to June 9, or face charges.

He said they should apply now with the COMELEC office in Manila , if they wish to secure permits to have two armed uniformed policemen, and two additional security guards, if the need warrants, during the election period.

Those caught bringing firearms in public places and at checkpoints without the necessary COMELEC permit will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of stature, without fear or favor, Suarez said.

Charges for attempted robbery and frustrated homicide are being readied against the three suspects in the shooting of a barangay captain from Bacolod and his driver in Pototan town, Iloilo on Saturday.

Pototan town deputy chief, Insp. Charlie Sustento, said yesterday that the suspects, whose names he did not disclose, are residents of Pototan and have previous robbery cases in the town. He said they were able to identify them through their civilian assets.

“We borrowed the suspects' pictures from the Commission on Elections and presented them to Captain Yelo, who positively identified them,” Sustento told the DAILY STAR.