In a decisive move to ensure security during the upcoming elections, the head of the Philippine National Police (PNP), General Rommel Francisco Marbil, has issued a stern directive to all police units across the country. The order, announced during a press conference at Camp Crame, mandates the complete eradication of both active and potential private armed groups (PAGs) by the end of March. PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon Police chief, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, relayed Marbil’s ultimatum, emphasizing that failure to comply could result in the relief of the responsible officers from their duties.
Fajardo detailed that the PNP has identified three active PAGs operating in Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Additionally, five potential PAGs are under close surveillance in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Eastern Visayas, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). She stressed the urgency of dismantling these groups, noting that their continued existence poses a significant risk of being used to intimidate political opponents and voters during the election period.
The PNP’s intensified efforts against PAGs come in the context of broader security measures, including the enforcement of a gun ban as mandated by Comelec Resolution 10999, effective from January 12 to June 11. This period coincides with the campaign schedules for national and local elections, with senators and party-list representatives campaigning from February 11 to May 10, and local candidates from March 28 to May 10.
General Marbil’s directive underscores the PNP’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, ensuring a safe environment for the democratic process to unfold without the threat of violence from private armed groups.