PNP, AFP to re-affirm fight vs. private armed groups

MANILA, Philippines—Even as election season is over, authorities will not let up in their fight against private armed groups, vowing to continue their campaign until all illegal groups have been dismantled.

Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa said in an interview that both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP will be coming up with a joint directive sometime this week calling for a “reinvigorated” fight against private armed groups.

The revitalized task groups, he said, will now include cooperation with the Armed Forces.

Three main task groups will be formed, focusing on three provinces that have the most number of armed groups based on intelligence reports. Verzosa identified these three provinces as Abra, Misamis Occidental, and Masbate.

“We will continue our neutralization against private armed groups. We will be coming up with joint letter directive for policy for our troops,” he said.

Verzosa said that based on their latest assessment during the recent elections, more than 80 private armed groups are still active in various provinces across the country.

Source: Inquirer