PNP monitors 17 private armed groups in Abra

BANGUED, Abra -- The Philippine National Police has expressed concern regarding the security situation in Abra during the elections, citing the presence of 17 private armed groups in the province.

PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde said elections in Abra are a “perennial problem.”

The province was among the areas declared as election hotspots under category red by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). This means it has security concerns due to violent incidents and intense partisan rivalry and there are armed threats posed by local terrorist groups.

The Comelec had earlier said areas under category red might be placed under its control.

The entire Mindanao, Jones town in Isabela, Lope de Vega in Northern Samar, Daraga in Albay and Cotabato City are the other areas classified as category red.

Albayalde said police augmentation might be needed to secure polling centers in these areas.

He said the police force is not taking any chances even though candidates pledged to coordinate with security officials to ensure peaceful, orderly and honest elections.