GMA names 6 commissioners in panel to oversee dismantling of private armies

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo named yesterday six commissioners to form part of an independent commission that would oversee the dismantling of all private armies in the country before the May 2010 polls.

Named commissioners were Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos, representing the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas president Herman Basbano, representing the media; retired Brig. Gen. Jaime Echeveria, president of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers; retired police deputy director Gen. Virtus Gil; Dante Jimenez of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption; and Aleem Mahmoud Mala Adilao of the Ulama League of the Philippines.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the creation of the new commission is contained in Administrative Order 275 which she issued recently.

 “President Arroyo yesterday ordered the dismantling of private armies to pave the way for peaceful elections next year with the creation of the independent commission to address the alleged existence of private armies in the country,” Remonde said.