1 month ago
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A SENIOR aide to Aklan 2nd District Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. is facing charges for allegedly violating Republic Act 10168, or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
The accused, Benjie Tocol, a trusted aide to Haresco, is alleged to have provided logistical support to the New People's Army (NPA), a designated terrorist organization.
The complaint, filed before the Department of Justice by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Aklan Provincial Field Unit, through Police MSgt. Bella Ladera, accuses Tocol of instructing Brince Gegodas, a captured NPA operative, to deliver groceries and cash to Jose Edwin Guillen, an alleged officer of the NPA's Coronacion Chiva "Waling-Waling" Command in Panay.
The delivery reportedly took place at the Ceres Terminal in Kalibo, Aklan, in April 2023. Investigators claim Tocol was observed near the scene during an entrapment operation that led to Gegodas' arrest. Tocol identified himself as a staff member of Haresco before leaving the area after being briefly questioned by authorities.
Following his arrest, Gegodas entered into a plea bargain, cooperating with law enforcement by providing call logs documenting communications with Tocol and Guillen.
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The complaint also implicated Rosanna Inaudito, alias "Ka Dayan" or "Ann-Ann," who is accused of coordinating with Guillen on behalf of the NPA.
The allegations raise significant concerns about potential links between public officials and outlawed groups. Investigators have not determined whether Tocol's actions were sanctioned by Representative Haresco or carried out independently.
Haresco's office has yet to release an official statement regarding the charges.
