Police says they’re on track of dismantling Samar private armies

STA. MARGARITA, Samar, Feb. 15 (PNA) -- The local police here is optimistic of dismantling private armed groups (PAGS) in Samar province following the recent arrest of one of their leaders.

Town Police Chief Sr. Insp. Silvano Soterana said they have stepped up their manhunt operation against PAGS after receiving complaints from locals of alleged political violence activities.

On February 11, the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, Local Police and the Philippine Army 43^rd Infantry Battalion based in bahay village of this town arrested PAGS leader Enrigue Manas.

Armed with a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Alphinor Serrano of the 8^th Judicial Region, Bulwagan ng Katarungan in Tacloban City, the composite team swooped down Manas’ house in bahay village early morning of February 11.

Recovered from his house are two M14 rifles, a KG9 semi-automatic rifle, three 45 caliber pistols, five M16 armalite rifles, four hand grenade explosives, and assorted live ammunitions for different rifles.

Also arrested during the raid was Romeo Catalan, farmer, believed to be Manas’ aide.  He was armed with a .38 caliber revolver.

“With this recent operation, we are hoping to reduce the number of private armed groups operating in Samar, crackdown unlicensed firearms, which will help break down many of those armed groups.  

Their members offer themselves as bodyguards to political clans during elections,” Soterana said.

“We are confident that private armed groups will soon be gone.  They are starting to feel the pressure,”  He added.

Samar was listed among of the six provinces in the country under election watchlist this 2016 elections due to intense political rivalry and presence of private armies. (PNA)

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