PNP identifies 7 regions with active, potential private armed groups

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday identified seven regions where they monitored active and potential private armed groups (PAGs) ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) this October.

At a press briefing, PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the regions with PAGs are Ilocos, Central Luzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Caraga, Cordillera, and Bangsamoro.

“The PNP is also monitoring continuously the activities of 48 private armed groups wherein three of these groups are active and 45 potential PAGs from Region 1, Region 3, Region 5, Region 6, Region 13, Cordillera Administrative Region, and [Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao],” he said.

Acorda said he directed concerned regional directors to intensify its efforts against PAGs to ensure that these groups will not be used to illegal activities in connection with the BSKE in October.

According to him, the PNP received some reports that some elected government officials and potential candidates are facing security threats ahead of the polls.

“With regards to the threats for some elected officials and some prospective candidates, we do receive these kinds of reports. Appropriate measures are being undertaken,” he said.

“We are taking all the measures na kaya naming gawin just to really carry yung appropriate security and to avoid any further attacks or violence against these persons that are reporting yung risk of their life,” he added.

(We are taking all the measures that we can do just to really carry appropriate security and to avoid any further attacks or violence against these persons who are reporting risk to their life.)

Concerned officials and candidates may apply for exemption from gun ban or for additional personal security from the PNP.

Earlier, the PNP said authorities are now assessing possible areas of concerns.

PNP public information office chief Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said they are conducting the evaluation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Commission on Elections.

According to Acorda, one of the factors that would be considered in coming  upwith a list of election hot spot areas is political rivalry. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News