PRO-6 investigates private armed groups in Antique

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office-6 said private armed groups (PAGs) could be operating in Antique province.

Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr., PRO-6 director, issued this statement as he hinted that the arrest of five armed men in Bugasong town showed such possibility.

Members of the Bugasong Police Station, led by Sr. Insp. Juvy Cordero, arrested Reynaldo Calibuso, 24, of Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental, Jerry Trinidad, 34, of Bacolod City, Alberto Valenzuela, 47, La Carlota City in Negros Occidental, Jonathan Pandoy, 38, and Arsenio Sabidolas, 36, both of Laua-an town in Antique.

Except for Trinidad, the driver of a pick-up, and Valenzuela, the three suspects yielded with firearms: a KG9 with one magazine loaded with 15 ammunition (taken from Calibuso), a .357-caliber revolver with four live cartridges and two fired shells (from Pandoy) and a .45-caliber pistol with seven ammunition (Sabidolas).

They claimed however to be laborers. "But our investigation pointed otherwise," Cruz said, adding that they were allegedly working for a Provincial Board member in Antique.

"They were allegedly used during the 2010 national elections. But with the elections over, they were commissioned to threaten Sakada workers," Cruz said.

The five suspects are now detained. Charges for violation for Republic Act 8294 (illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions) and Comelec gun ban were already filed against them.

Meanwhile, with the coming barangay polls, Cruz said it is likely that the suspects would be used as goons for election purposes. "Since a PAG could be composed of two or more armed men, it's possible that there could be other groups operating as private army," he added. — (FREEMAN)