More or less 20 private armed groups disbanded ahead of Eleksyon 2022 — PNP spox

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said more or less 20 private armed groups (PAG) have been dismantled ahead of the May 2022 elections.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said most of the 20 PAGs were from Bangsamoro and part of local terrorist groups.

“More or less nasa 20 na po yung ating na-dismantle, na-disband, at na-delist po doon sa listahan natin ng mga private armed group (Around 20 PAGs have been dismantled, disbanded, and delisted from the list of PAGs),” she said.

Fajardo added that some politicians were supposedly hiring these PAG members in connection with the conduct of the elections.

If they have enough evidence, Fajardo said the PNP will file complaints against these politicians who are employing PAGs.

According to her, the National Task Force for the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups is set to issue an official resolution to delist the three remaining active pre-identified PAGs.

On April 18, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday warned 2022 election candidates that having more than two bodyguards constitutes maintaining a private army which is against the country's election laws.

“We have decided and have communicated this with the Cabinet... The rule should really be followed… that more than two bodyguards would be considered  a private army,” Duterte said.

“ And if you think there is danger to your person, a certain place or person, ipatawag ng RD yan, ipatawag ng chief of police at kausapin. Maiwasan ‘yung away lalo na ang paggamit ng armas," he added.

(And if you think there is danger to your person and a certain place or person, call the regional director, call the chief of police and discuss matters to prevent quarrels and the use of guns.) — RSJ, GMA News