PRESS RELEASE
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

Super Five Bus Company Penalized by NPA for Tax Evasion
March 16, 2004

Ozamis City - Ka Ismael Marte, CPP-NPA spokesperson for Western Mindanao confirmed in several radio interviews that the Super Five Bus Company was penalized by the New People's Army for its failure to settle longstanding tax obligations to the people's democratic government based in the countryside. The NPA spokesperson made the clarification to dispel local media speculation that the legitimate NPA operation was an "extortion activity" or that civilians were harmed.

"NPA operatives are well-disciplined and strictly adhere to rules of engagement especially in carrying out this kind of police action," the spokesman said dismissing police and military claims that the NPA guerrillas looted the passengers' belongings. The NPA released the bus driver and conductor unharmed with the fare collection after informing them of the reasons for the sanctions, Marte added.

Special sanctions, such as the recent one, despite the AFP "extortion-tagging" are within the bounds of law enforcement and functions of the people's democratic state, Marte reiterated.

Penalties are selectively imposed and particularly only against errant or delinquent business operations who stubbornly operate their businesses yet fail to pay their tax obligations or are remiss in their payments, Marte further explained.

Marte said that operatives of the Monterosa Front Operations Command duly authorized by the Tax Implementing Group of the NPA carried out the punitive action in Brgy. Kauswagan, Tangub City last March 12 at around 6:30 in the morning by setting Super Five Bus #118 alight after assisting the passengers to safety with their belongings. ###

Reference:
Ismael Marte
Spokesperson
CPP-NPA Western Mindanao



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