Albayalde orders 'massive crackdown' on gun-for-hire groups

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde has ordred a "massive crackdown" on gun-for-hire and gun-running syndicates following the recent killings of three local officials.

At a press conference in Camp Crame, Albayalde said he issued the order as suggested by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC).

"We have also considered the suggestions of VACC on the need for a massive crackdown against gun-for-hire groups and gun running syndicates that maybe directly attributed to the recent cases of shooting incidents," he said.

Shot dead during the past week were Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan City, Batangas (Monday); Mayor Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija (Tuesday); and Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan of Trece Martires, Cavite (Saturday).

Albayalde had earlier ordered police units to launch "early security measures" in connection with next year's midterm elections.

"In view of the recent killings of local chief executives, I am directing the command group and the regionanl directors to review and launch early security measures ahead of the 2019 Mid-Term Elections in May next year," he said.

Albayalde said the security measures include intensified police visibility, random checkpoints, and "focused-law enforcement operations." —KBK, GMA News