BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – There are at
least 5,000 loose firearms in Cagayan, identified by the Department of the
Interior and Local Government as one of 15 provinces considered as potential
hotspots in the 2013 midterm polls.
Authorities have identified at least four
towns as election hotspots in the province due to their history of election
violence, and at least three private armies.
“We are especially monitoring the traditional
hotspots like Tuao and Buguey, and to another extent the towns of Rizal and
Baggao because of the known presence of the New People’s Army (NPA),” said
Senior Supt. Gregorio Lim, Cagayan police director.
Lim said the number of loose firearms
included those whose licenses have not been renewed.
Lim said the presence of such a huge number
of loose firearms in Cagayan was significant as the province is an area of
concern in next year’s elections.
Locals fear that the loose firearms could be
used by private armies for harassment in the elections.
Lim said at least three private armies have
been monitored in Cagayan, although no definite politicians have been linked or
identified with them.
He said the NPA “is in a different
category.” –
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