20 private armies in Region 6 monitored

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  – Police authorities in Western Visayas are monitoring at least 20 private armies in the region.

Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, Region 6 police director, said the number is based on reports during the 2010 national elections.

Of the number, Cruz, however, said only seven groups have been identified although their members are nowhere to be found as they could have relocated elsewhere or are now behind bars.  

“The report needs to be revalidated for the purpose of the 2013 elections,” he said.

Cruz said though their monitoring of private armies does not stop with the identified groups, adding that they are also closely watching politicians who have the propensity to hire goons during elections.

The issue on private armies was one of the topics discussed during the first coordinating conference of the Armed Forces, Commission on Elections and Philippine National Police at Camp Delgado here last Friday.