PNP identifies 3 active, 5 potential private armed groups ahead of Eleksyon 2025

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified three active and five potential private armed groups in the country ahead of the 2025 elections, its spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Fajardo said the three active PAGs are reported in Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

The five potential PAGs, meanwhile, are reported in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

According to Fajardo, PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil gave an ultimatum to field commanders that these PAGs should be dismantled by March or else they may be relieved from their posts.

“Itong identified na tatlong active PAGs at limang potential PAGs po ay identified naman po sila. So there is no reason for the field commanders particularly the concerned regions and provinces para hindi po nila ito matrabaho,” she said.

(These three active and five potential PAGs have been identified. So, there is no reason for the field commanders particularly the concerned regions and provinces for them not to work on it.)

“Kung hahayaan natin na hindi malansag ito, there is a big possibility na magamit po ito sa pangha-harass, pang-i-intimidate not only sa mga kalaban nilang kandidato maging na rin po sa mga botante po,” she added.

(If we don't dismantle them, there is a big possibility that they will be used to harass and intimidate not only their opposing candidates but also the voters.)

Despite the detection of these PAGs, Fajardo said the PNP has not monitored any moves to employ them so far.

Fajardo also noted that over a week since the election period on January 12, no incidents of violence related to the polls have been reported so far. 

The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups is set from February 11 to May 10, 2025. Meanwhile, the campaign period for candidates for House of Representatives and parliamentary, provincial, city and municipal elections will be from March 28 to May 10.

Election Day is on May 12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News

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