Abra PAGs identified; guns-for-hire warned

By Maritess B. Beñas

BANGUED, Abra – Police have identified private political armed groups even as Cordillera regional police director Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalog warned their coddlers which reportedly included politicians. saying he was he was determined in his  campaign  to dismantle PAGs  in Abra and  neutralize guns-for-hire here.

           

In a speech during the recent Bangued town fiesta, he warned the PAGS they have no place in  the province.  “Leave Abra or else, it will be very bloody for you here.”

           

Magalong had conducted another dialogue-meeting with the league of municipalities in Abra where he presented to the municipal mayors names of the alleged members of PAGs for their scrutiny.

           

Though the PNP is open to the review and revision of the names of the PAGs listing, Magalong warned them to look after their own men whose names have been included in the list and subject their men to the processes of clearing their names if they are really not PAG members.

           

Killings allegedly done by PAGs and guns for hire in the province had been aired by religious and cause oriented groups.

           

Latest was when provincial police director Senior Supt. Alexander Rafael recently led his men in killing five gunmen who were allegedly hired to kill him.

           

The alleged hired killers had been tailing Rafael's group last May 1, in Lallo, Cagayan.

           

“This incident should give a clear warning to all the guns-for-hire to stop their trade,” Magalong said. 

           

Following these, the chief executive here cited the Philippine National Police for giving their best in restoring peace in the province particularly in this capital town.

           

Mayor Ryan Seares Luna expressed his appreciation to Magalong for his courage in pursuing a peaceful environment in the province.

           

He also thanked Rafael for his leadership towards  obtaining  peace and order in the locality.

           

Abra's peace and order situation in recent years has been marred with killings, terror and fear among the Abrenios.

           

Luna said with the coordination between the PNP and local leaders in Abra, peace is no longer a distant dream in the province.