Communist rebels 'biggest threat'
From CNN's Maria Ressa
MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- As the Philippines deploys as many as 100,000 security forces to tackle any threat from Islamic militants ahead of May 10 elections, many officials say the biggest threat comes from communist rebels.
The New People's Army or NPA, nearly 10,000 strong, has been fighting for a communist state for more than three decades.
With cells operating in most parts of the Philippines, officials say the NPA is forcing candidates who want to campaign in their areas to pay for safe passage.
But the NPA is also allegedly coercing villagers to vote for particular candidates.
"That is a real threat to our democracy ... They are able to build strong fronts and bases, with freedom, with license, using the weaknesses of Philippine democracy as a tool," National security Adviser Norberto Gonzales told CNN.
Gonzales points to parties such as the left-leaning Bayan Muna, which now holds seats in Congress.
Bayan Muna, according to Gonzales, is using government money to fund the growth of the communist movement.
Its head, Satur Ocampo, a former spokesman for the communist party, denies the charges.
"I decided not to go back to the underground. And I opted to explore all the possibilities in the legal, democratic movement that is recognized and being encouraged," Ocampo said.
"He cannot show proof. The burden of proof is with him, not with me."
Gonzales claims Ocampo's group is exempt from paying for safe passage in NPA areas.
Since campaigns began, the military claims several mayors, congressmen and a governor were ambushed or assassinated by the NPA.
And last week, an NPA spokesman warned they would shoot candidates who brought bodyguards or police into their territory.
So while the threats are clear, how these actions will affect election results is less evident.
If recent opinion polls are accurate, incumbent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will beat her main rival, macho film star and political novice Fernando Poe Jr. Poe, narrowly and three other challengers handily.
