May 2016 national and local elections: Drug groups ‘possible’ private armies

CEBU, Philippines - The police have identified at least three to four drug organizations that could possibly become private armed groups this coming May national and local elections.

Because of this, Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Clifford Gairanod directed all police stations and provincial units to conduct intensified operations against loose firearms.

Following his directive, the CPPO-Provincial Intelligence Branch launched an entrapment operation and arrested at least two firearms manufacturing workers who were in possession of at least 20 firearms.

 Gairanod said he wanted to intensify the fight against loose firearms as it means also stopping unscrupulous individuals from advancing their bad intentions.

He said they have to be more stringent because of the elections, when locally-made firearms might be used by private armed groups or politicians capable of hiring goons.

“Usa ni sa mga hingusgan nga kompanya sa loose firearms. Hapit ng eleksyon nya kining mga armas sa private armed group nga magrason nga gamiton. Baka magkaroon ng private armed groups, naay mga associated sa drugs nga mga grupo,” Gairanod said.

 CPPO has been conducting surveillance operations even before Gairanod was installed as the new provincial police director. He said that in their continuing validation they have identified at least three to four drug groups that may be used as a private armed group in their respective municipalities.

“We identify those municipalities or areas nga naay armed groups. Naay mga munisipyo nga gibantayan tulo or upat ka areas nga drug group,” Gairanod said.

He said the places also have a history of having the presence of armed men in certain areas.

The places’ locations are also a factor that the police are considering because people from neighboring provinces may come to these areas during elections.

Gairanod, though, said they are now working on cutting off the supply of illegal firearms by conducting raids against illegal gun manufacturers and sellers.

 And he said they would not stop in their campaign, and thanked the public for supporting authorities by providing information. – (FREEMAN)