Pangasinan steps up drive vs armed groups

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines  – Several guns and ammunition were confiscated in San Manuel town yesterday as police intensify its campaign against private armed groups (PAGs) in this province in preparation for next year’s elections.

Senior Superintendent Mariano Luis Verzosa Jr., Pangasinan police officer-in-charge, told a media forum here that members of the Regional Intelligence Group, Regional Public Safety Battalion and Pangasinan Public Safety Company swooped down on two houses of two members of Sol Group, and confiscated a Colt AR15 (a high powered model of M16), two caliber .45 pistols, a Magnum .22 caliber rifle and ammunition.

Verzosa said they are eyeing another PAG in the western part of Pangasinan. 

He said there were seven identified PAGS in Pangasinan during the 2010 elections. Five of them were delisted after complying with police requirements.

Versoza said they are also checking on their personnel assigned as police security escorts of some politicians.