PNP intensifies drive vs. private armies, loose guns ahead of Eleksyon 2022

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday ordered all offices and units to intensify operations against private armed groups and loose firearms ahead of the election season.

In a statement, Eleazar said some politicians may again use violence to win in the elections. He said PNP personnel will monitor all areas in the country.

“Local police offices should intensify their intelligence gathering measures to keep a close eye on all potential private armed groups as well as syndicates involved in gunrunning activities,” he said.

Over 130 armed groups are being monitored in Mindanao by authorities, according to the National Task Force on the Disbandment of PAGs (NTF-DPAGs), chaired by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

Eleazar said the PNP aims for credible, orderly and peaceful 2022 polls.

He added that the PNP should make sure that no glitch or chaos will happen during the election season — from the filing of candidacy to the declaration of elected officials.

The PNP is already polishing its security measures for the coming elections, Eleazar said.

On Wednesday, several local government units and military officials signed a pledge of commitment for the eradication of the private armed groups in their respective areas.

Año said they will identify election hotspots where there is a high risk of violence during polls. More security forces in these areas will be deployed to prevent PAGs from committing violence.

Authorities are monitoring potential emergence of private armed groups in West Mindanao, Northern Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and Western Visayas, according to Año.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News