6 PAGs down, 96 nabbed since start of poll season

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Six active private armed groups or guns for hire with 113 members were “neutralized” in Cordillera since 2012 to the May l3 elections with only only one PAG remaining with with five members, a police report said.

A total of 3,744 police and Army personnel were reportedly deployed for election duties in 1, 370 polling places in the region which resulted to high yield of firearms confiscated, surrendered, and muzzle taped that reduced firearms in the region decline of shooting incidents.

Since the start of the Commission on Elections gun ban, the Regional Election Monitoring Action Center recorded a yield of 80 assorted firearms,73 of which were confiscated and  seven recovered, the report said.

As a result, 96 persons were arrested and 76 cases for violation of Comelec gun ban were filed in court.

A program, called “conflict mediation and diffusion  strategy”  reportedly contributed to alleviation of tension between feuding politicians specially in Abra and Kalinga.

“It is an innovation in peacekeeping and a venue where contending parties are allowed to ventilate their emotions, sentiments, and impressions by openly and freely bringing out personal as well as political issues against each other.”

The Police Regional Office Cordillera assessed the midterm May 2013 automated elections as generally peaceful in the whole region despite reports of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines malfunctioning in some polling centers, isolated reports on shootings,and intense political rivalry.

Chief Supt. Benjamin B. Magalong, regional police director said the success of the elections can be attributed to peacekeeping strategy of regional police based here started since last year. T

Police strategy formulated in consultation with stakeholders to address fragile situation in the region with identification of critical issues and concerns reportedly ended with practical action plans.

“The 11 sessions that were held between political rivals in  Abra and Kalinga usually ended up  with meaningful handshakes and hugs,” Magalong said.  “Tension and animosities were diffused, issues were clarified, and commitments and agreements forged.” 

He said important factor that contributed to the success of the elections  in the region was the involvement of private sectors like the Abra Convenors Group, help and cooperation extended by the religious sectors, objective media reporting ,and the neutrality displayed by the police.