PNP monitoring 138 private armed groups

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is profiling 138 private armed groups that may pose a threat to next year’s national and local elections.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said six active private armed groups and other terrorist organizations that may disrupt the holding of orderly and peaceful campaign and election day are also being monitored.

“Now that the election is fast approaching, we might expect that these groups may be activated,” Carlos said.

He said police are checking the connections and capabilities of the members of the group.

“The goal is to halt their ill intentions in spreading fear and harassing the members of the community,” the PNP chief said.

Carlos said the PNP would ramp up intelligence gathering and operations against loose firearms.

“This is two-way traffic. We call on the public to help us by reporting suspicious individuals lurking in their areas,” he said.

Carlos said police visibility would be enhanced in areas where there is presence of private armed groups.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had earlier sought the commitment of local chief executives in dismantling private armed groups by coordinating with the police and military.