DILG moves vs. private armed groups

With the filing of certificate of candidacy for those running in the 2016 elections set to start next week, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento on Tuesday said they are now focused in addressing the problem on private armed groups (PAGs).

"Sa DILG mas tutok tayo sa PAGs," Sarmiento said. "Nag-umpisa na ngayon 'yung coordination ng DILG kasama 'yung PNP. Siyempre kasama din po 'yung hanay ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) dito sa usaping yun."

Sarmiento urged the public to help authorities in monitoring the formation of PAGs, which are mostly allied with certain politicians, in the areas.

"Kailangan magtulong-tulong hindi lang sana 'yung unipormadong service kundi ang ating mga taumbayan ay kailangan maging kabahagi sa pagsumbong lalo na sa verification sa mga may nakikita at nababalitaang nagbubuo [ng PAGs] kahit ngayon pa lang,” he said.

"Andyan 'yung intelligence community natin pero mas dapat mapapabilis 'yung proseso kung ang mga tao mismo ang nagbibigay ng impormasyon,” Sarmiento added, even as he assured that the DILG will be doing its best to ensure peaceful elections in 2016.

"Asahan niyo po ang ating hanay ng kapulisan kasama 'yung AFP ay tututukan itong parating na eleksyon na isang peaceful, credible and honest process na pagpili ng ating leader,” he said.

The filing for COCs will be from October 12 to 16. —Andrei Medina/KBK, GMA News