DAVAO CITY – Mayor Rodrigo Duterte Sunday appealed to the New People’s Army (NPA) to allow former military men who are running for local and national positions to campaign in areas perceived to be under the influence of the communist rebels.

The appeal came after the series of harassment allegedly made by the NPA rebels on the supporters of retired general and senatoriable Jovito Palparan.

Duterte said that he himself have endorsed the candidacy of two ex-military men who are running in this election. He said that to be fair, it would be better for the rebels to allow all former military men to campaign so that the mayor would not be accused of unfair election practices.

“Give access to all, sino man yung ex-military na mag-campaign. This is a democratic process I think the Communist Party is also interested in participating. Give us access and everybody else. I will not sit as a winning candidate pag ganyan nangyari. Ano ipagmayabang mo sa mga tao? Na nanalo ka dahil sa threat and terrorism,” Duterte said.

It was learned that Duterte supports Jun Adalin who is running for councilor of the city and Allen Capuyan who is running for a party-list group. Jovito Palparan is allied with Speaker Prospero Nograles who is the arch enemy of Duterte.

Duterte said he will be glad to accompany Adalin and Capuyan when they campaign in Paquibato District, a known rebel lair. “I will be happy to accompany them in Paquibato. Just as I campaign for Ocampo and Maza, I will also campaign for Adalin and Capuyan. Para fair,” Duterte said.

Duterte, at the same time, advised his allied barangay captains to allow Team Nograles to make use of barangay gyms for their campaign. It was learned that there were some incidents when barangay officials allegedly denied the request of Team Nograles to make use of the barangay gym in their rallies.

“Give it to the other side. I hate that style of campaigning. Pag magsabay kami, ibigay mo yung gym para wala masabi. Dito na lang ako sa labas. I’ll be content with just a corner here and there,” Duterte said.