In Negros Oriental pro-7 monitoring “private armed groups”

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – At least three potential private armed groups (PAGs) in Negros Oriental and eight others in Central Visayas that could be possibly hired by some politicians for the May 13 elections are now being monitored by the Police Regional Office-7.

PRO-7 director Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, Jr., in his visit here Thursday, said that of the 11 groups under close watch in the region, three are in Negros Oriental, namely, the Tanasan-Libron group, Dumas-ug Group and Desperado Group.

The Dumas-ug Group, headed by a certain Sunny Bacolod, is believed to be operating in Canlaon City, the Desperado Group, whose leader is a certain Rolando Mallari, in the central part of the province and the Tanasan-Libron Group in Bayawan City, according to Garbo.

While Jasper Tanasan, the alleged leader of the Tanasan-Libron group had been arrested last year, there were other alleged members being watched, said Garbo. 

The latest PRO-7 monitoring group report stated that, while there were no identified PAGs in Region 7 (Central Visayas), the police have been monitoring at least 11 groups for their “potential” to become PAGs.

Of the total, three are in Cebu province with an aggregate of 26 members and 22 firearms, three in Negros Oriental with 40 members and 18 firearms, and two in Bohol with seven members and nine firearms.

The Sidlak Group in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu province, was meanwhile delisted by the PRO-7, said Garbo as he announced that his command is now ready to secure the elections, and maintain peace and order.  (FREEMAN)