PNP chief names new election task force chief

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima has turned over the responsibility of heading the Task Force Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2013.

Purisima appointed Director Ager Ontog, chief of the Directorial Staff, as SAFE 2013 head.

The PNP chief said he would still supervise its operations, but Ontog would lead the operation to account for loose firearms and dismantle private armed groups.

Purisima said there are 552,338 firearms with expired licenses, an undetermined number of guns that have not been registered and some 60 private armed groups nationwide, mostly in Mindanao.

“We are on the right track in accounting for loose firearms. Our campaign to account all unlicensed guns is ongoing and we expect more positive results when the gun ban starts,” said Purisima.

The PNP chief met again with the commanders of the regional special operations task group in Southern Luzon and Visayas to personally assess the progress of the operations.

He said special attention was given to accounting for loose firearms and dismantling private armed groups.

Police had so far arrested seven suspected members of private armies and recovered three guns.  At least 174 loose firearms were also recovered, 232 turned over for safekeeping and the licenses of 2,637 guns being processed for renewal.