Disbandment of armed groups pushed in Abra

By Mar T. Supnad

BANGUED, Abra — Concerned residents of Abra and local newsmen based here urged the Philippine National Police last week to launch an all-out campaign against the remaining members of private armed groups (PAGs) in the province to ensure a peaceful and credible election in Abra next year.

They said the dreaded and heavily-armed groups are maintained by political leaders.
Abra is one of the 73 areas identified by the PNP as one of areas of concern following the bloody record of the province during election period the previous years.

Aside from the PAGs, Abra is also home to the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army whose members are known to possess high-powered firearms who, until now, are not yet disarmed and disbanded by the government.

It was gathered that CPLA chieftain Mailed Molina has filed his certificate of candidacy to run for congressional representative in Abra’s lone district.

Also gunning for the position are former Gov. Ching Valera, wife of former Gov. Vicsyd Valera who is detained after he was suspected of masterminding the shooting to death of Rep. Chito Bersamin, reelectionist Cecille Luna and Joy Bernos, wife of slain mayor Ysreal Bernos of La Paz town.

In the gubernatorial battle, re-electionist Gov. Takits Bersamin will be challenged by Lizardo Senogo and Gil Valera.