MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday directed all police units to intensify the crackdown on private armed groups (PAGs) and loose firearms ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
“Our intensified campaign against private armed groups and loose firearms underscores our commitment to providing a safe environment for every Filipino, especially as we approach the election period. The PNP is resolute in its mission to dismantle these groups and eliminate threats to peace,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said in a statement.
On the campaign against PAGs, Marbil said the police force was able to reduce the number of active private armed groups from six last year to only three this year, following the disbandment of the Kunti Melo Group in Bukidnon and the Bal and Mayo Groups in Nueva Ecija.
He said potential PAGs have dropped from 28 to five due to ongoing operations that have led to the delisting of 33 groups after arrests and surrenders.
“By aggressively targeting private armed groups and the illegal firearms they use, we are dismantling their capacity for violence and intimidation. The PNP remains committed to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring a secure Philippines for all,” Marbil said.
From January 1 to November 30, the PNP reported significant achievements in this initiative, arresting 8,628 individuals for violating Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
During this period, 25,240 firearms were either confiscated, recovered, or surrendered, while 9,932 firearms were turned over for safekeeping.
The highest number of arrests for firearms law violations was recorded by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) with 2,033 arrests, followed by Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) with 979 and PRO 7 (Central Luzon) with 906. On confiscated or surrendered firearms, PRO-7 led with 3,951 cases, followed by PRO 6 (Western Visayas) with 3,023 and NCRPO with 2,175.
Meanwhile, PRO 4-A (Calabarzon) recorded the highest number of firearms turned over for safekeeping at 2,797. (PNA)