Año orders filing of raps against Quezon board member for allegedly coddling two NPA members

December 30, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday directed the filing of charges against a Quezon provincial board member for allegedly coddling two suspected top members of the New People's Army (NPA) who were arrested inside her home in Atimonan, Quezon last December 26.

Año said Rhodora Tan of the fourth district of Quezon should be held criminally and administratively liable for allegedly coddling in her own residence the two suspects who have warrants of arrests.

“How can you explain that the two NPAs were found inside your house? It’s not right to keep and protect them… A bigger penalty is imposed if you are a public official,” he said.

Año expressed disbelief that a public official whose sworn duty is to protect the interest and welfare of the public provided shelter and refuge to known enemies of the people.

Año said Tan could face up to six years in jail if found guilty of obstruction of justice under Presidential Decree 1829.

"We can also file a case against her as an accomplice or accessory to the crimes committed by the NPA members if found that she is involved or there is an effort on her part to protect them," he said.

Año also said Tan will also be facing administrative liabilities for disloyalty to the republic under Civil Service Commission Rules and Administrative Order 23, series of 1992.

."Under the said AO, Tan can either be removed or suspended from office when found guilty,” he said.

Under the Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees, civil servants are expected to "at all times be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino people"  and "uphold the Constitution and put loyalty to country above loyalty to persons or party."

Año said while the number of local government units (LGUs) declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People's Army as persona non grata are increasing, it is disappointing to encounter a handful of public officials who support, directly or indirectly, the cause of communist terrorist groups. Ella Dionisio/DMS