Marbil orders intensified drive vs PAGs, loose guns ahead of Eleksyon 2025

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil has directed his personnel to enhance its efforts against private armed groups (PAGs) and loose firearms to secure the coming 2025 elections.

“Our intensified campaign against private armed groups and loose firearms underscores our commitment to providing a safe environment for every Filipino, especially as we approach the election period,” Marbil said in a statement Thursday.

“The PNP is resolute in its mission to dismantle these groups and eliminate threats to peace,” he added.

From January 1 to November 30, the PNP said 8,628 people have been arrested for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

A total of 25,240 firearms were either confiscated, recovered, or surrendered, according to the PNP. An additional 9,932 firearms were turned over to authorities for safekeeping.

The area with the highest number of arrests for gun law violations is Metro Manila with 2,033, followed by Central Luzon with 979 and Central Visayas with 906.

The area with the highest number of seized or surrendered firearms is Central Visayas with 3,951, followed by Western Visayas with 3,023 and Metro Manila with 2,175.

Meanwhile, the area with the highest number of firearms turned over for safekeeping is Calabarzon with 2,797.

According to the PNP, the number of private armed groups has decreased from six in 2023 to three this year after the disbandment of the Kunti Melo Group in Bukidnon and the Bal and Mayo Groups in Nueva Ecija.

The number of “potential” private armed groups have also dropped from 28 to five.

“By aggressively targeting private armed groups and the illegal firearms they use, we are dismantling their capacity for violence and intimidation,” Marbil said.

“The PNP remains committed to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring a secure Philippines for all,” he added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News