Magdalen Correspondent Challenges Anti-Communist Task Force to Prove Robredo-NPA Link

On Monday, a representative of a party list of former military officers challenged the government‘Vice-President Maria Leoner of the anti-communist task force to prove their allegations “Lenny” G. Robredo, whom the group is running for president in the May election, is affiliated with the New People‘s Army (NPA).

“I am one of the ex-soldiers attached to the Robredo camp. And I can say for sure, we don’t want an alliance with the NPA either,” Join for the Filipino representative. Manuel DG Kabuchan said in a statement.

The NPA is made up of armed fighters from the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“We are clearly against itA However, there is no first alliance with the NPA,” He said.

Mr Kabuchan said he was ready to give up his congressional seat if the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) could prove their allegations.

“Now, if the NTF-ELCAC can show evidence today, with the exception of false witnesses, that there is an alliance between the NPA and the Robredo camp, I will resign as the current representative and Magdalen’s party-nominated nominee.“ He said.

The Magdalen Party-List, which represents retired soldiers, was established in 2010 by Samahang Magdalen. Samahang Magdalen is affiliated with the Magdalen Group, which led the Okuad Rebellion and the siege of the Manila Peninsula, both of which sought to overthrow former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Former Colonel Ariel O. Querubin, who was a colleague of Mr Cabochan at the Magdalen group, said in a statement last week that he would not support Mrs Robredo after being informed by senior NTF-ELCAC members and representatives that the group was affiliated with the NPA.

Mr Kirubin, along with former police and military officials, said they would support the late dictator’s presidential bid.‘His son, Ferdinand “Bambang” R. Marcos, Jr.

Senatorial candidate
Senator Anna Theresia in the Senate race “Laughs” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel, who is seeking re-election, has promised support for the staff and the termination of the contract if he wins another term.

He plans to push for the Balik Trabahang Ligtas Bill, which aims to provide additional benefits such as life insurance to public and private sector workers.

Mrs Hontiveros, who had earlier introduced the Security of Tenure Bill, also mentioned the need to remove the so-called “endo” or “5-5-5” system, where workers‘ Contracts expire before reaching the minimum term which makes them eligible for certain benefits.

“It’s time to end Endo or 5-5-5,” he said in a statement. “Let’s give every Filipino a job security and related benefits.”

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Jose Manuel said “Come on” I. Diocono, who is running for a Senate seat, has expressed frustration with the Philippine National Police.‘Failure to investigate allegations of massive smuggling of agricultural products in the country.

“This is an organized crime that should be a priority for our law enforcement agencies,” He said that this has resulted in loss of revenue and adversely affected the livelihood of local farmers and fishermen.

Once elected, Mr. Diocono plans to provide free legal aid in each barrier or remote area.

He will also push for the formation of an independent commission to investigate allegations of misconduct by officials.

Thus, he said, the cover would be avoided and all violators of the law would be punished equally. – Jasper Emerald G. Tan and Alyssa Nicole O. Tan