Cops to disband more private armies in Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, April 13 (PNA) –- The Philippine National Police is stepping up their drive to disband 97 suspected members of private armed groups in Samar less than a month before the May 9 elections.

PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Jose Erwin Villacorte said that they may not be able to arrest all suspected private armies, the police managed to neutralize their activities through manhunt operations.

“Most of them are not anymore in Samar. They’re now hiding because of so many raids we have launched,” Villacorte said.

During the first quarter of 2016, the Regional Special Operations Task Group nabbed 11 out of 39 PAGs members with warrant of arrest. During these operations, the police have recovered nine assorted firearms.

Reports reaching the police regional headquarters show that private armed groups (PAGS) with 158 firearms thrive in Calbayog City and nearby towns within the first congressional district of Samar province.

Montealto group based in Calbayog City has the most number of members at 65, followed by Moloboco group with a force of 44 armed men based in nearby Sta. Margarita town. These two groups are in control of 129 firearms.

Private armies are also present in Matuguinao, San Jorge, and Gandara towns. These areas have been consistently identified as hotspot every election period.

PAGs have been reportedly used by some politicians in Samar province to harass their opponent’s political leaders and intimidate voters. (PNA)

JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO