BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – There are at least 5,000 loose firearms in Cagayan, identified by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as one of 15 provinces considered as potential hotspots in the 2013 midterm polls.
Authorities have identified at least four towns as election hotspots in the province due to their history of election violence, and at least three private armies.
“We are especially monitoring the traditional hotspots like Tuao and Buguey, and to another extent the towns of Rizal and Baggao because of the known presence of the New People’s Army (NPA),” said Senior Superintendent Gregorio Lim, Cagayan police director.
Lim said the number of loose firearms included those whose licenses have not been renewed.
Lim said the presence of such a huge number of loose firearms in Cagayan was significant as the province is an area of concern in next year’s elections.
Locals fear that the loose firearms could be used by private armies for harassment in the elections.
Lim said at least three private armies have been monitored in Cagayan, although no definite politicians have been linked or identified with them.
He said the NPA “is in a different category.” – With Raymund Catindig