PNP dismantling private armies; officials warned

By Redjie Cawis

BAGUIO CITY—Regional police director Chief Supt.Alexander Magalong said his men have intensified campaign against private armed groups of politicians in the Cordillera particularly Abra and cut number of PAGs from 86 to 30.

This, as he said no politician in this province or elsewhere in the Cordillera would be given VIP treatment if they violate the law liker keeping private armies in line with next year’s May polls. 

“I gave the order nawalan ang sasantuhing politico kahit sa mga checkpoints,” he said.

           

Magalong added most politicians threaten policemen during the conduct of checkpoints. But this time, he said,  his men will make sure everyone will adhere to police checkpoints within the province. “This time walang favor - favor, pag check point, check point. ”

           

But in strict implementation of checkpoints and increased police visibility, police will observe human rights and ask politicians to cooperate.

           

Magalong disclosed he met political families and clans in Abra and they gave him a positive response in  making  Abra safer and more peaceful particularly during elections.

           

He said talking to these politicians will reduce tension between political rivals in the province. This is reportedly part of the action plan being done to pacify the different clan and political disputes.

           

According  to Magalong, police are working to make Abra safe so it would no longer be under the control of the Commission on Elections in the 2013 elections.

           

Over the years, Abra had been hot spot during elections due to intense political rivalry, PAGs, loose firearms, among others.

           

Abra was again listed by the Philippine National Police in 15 provinces nationwide as “high-risk” in terms of violence in relation to the May 2013 midterm polls, thus it is getting priority in security preparations.

           

Magalong had ordered police in Abra to be more visible and strictly implement checkpoints.

           

Religious, business and non-government  organizations in Abra cited efforts of the PNP for working for peaceful, orderly and honest election in 2013.