Remulla to PNP: Dismantle private armed groups

CEBU, Philippines — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to dismantle all private armed groups (PAGs) and uphold professionalism as the 2025 national and local election nears.

During his command visit yesterday at Police Regional Office - Central Visayas (PRO 7), Remulla emphasized that PAGs should not be used by political candidates for harassment, personal agendas, and other purposes.

He stated that it has become his standard practice to visit all regions before elections to assess the security situation and address potential threats to candidates and voters alike.

It was then reported by PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo that Central Visayas is one those monitored areas with active PAGs.

The DILG secretary outlined two important directives for the authorities in the region to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process: dismantle the PAGs and uphold professionalism.

Remulla said that police officers must not take sides or function as private security forces for politicians.

“Hindi sila pwedeng mag function as private army ng mga politiko. They have to stay neutral, they have to stay professional,” said Remulla.

He reiterated that the PNP’s primary role is to safeguard the integrity of the elections by preventing violence and ensuring a fair playing field for all candidates.

Moreover, he assured the public that the DILG would closely monitor police operations nationwide to enforce these directives effectively.

Loose firearms

In the visit, Remulla personally inspected the loose firearms seized by authorities across the region.Data from PRO 7 showed that from Oct. 1,2024 to Feb. 3, 2025, a total of 1,461 firearms and 25 explosives were recovered, confiscated, and surrendered.

From checkpoints, buy-busts, execution of arrest warrants, and other police operations led to the arrest of 407 individuals. Of the firearms seized, 121 were voluntarily surrendered while 1, 340 were confiscated or recovered.

According to Arvie Aserre Paraon-Bueno, PRO-7 spokesperson, the campaign is also part of the Oplan Katok, where firearms owners with expired licenses are urged to surrender their guns voluntarily.

“Yung isang baril na makuha natin, makapagligtas siya ng limang buhay. So ibig sabihin sa dami ng armas na presented, maraming buhay na maliligtas at makakatulong po ito para ma ensure po natin ang isang mapayapa ang matagumpay na election,” said Paraon-Bueno. – / JG (FREEMAN)