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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marbil orders crackdown on loose guns, private goons as PNP starts preparations for 2025 polls

Marbil orders crackdown on loose guns, private goons as PNP starts preparations for 2025 polls

Published Jun 26, 2024 02:53 am

Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Wednesday June 26, a crackdown on loose firearms and private armed groups (PAGs) as part of the preparations for the midterm elections next year.

Marbil described the presence of loose firearms and PAGs as serious threats that could disrupt the democratic process as millions of Filipinos are expected to troop to polling precincts to vote 12 senators down to the municipal elective posts.

“Illegal firearms and private armed groups pose a significant threat to public safety and the integrity of our elections. By removing these threats, we are not only ensuring a safer campaign period but also instilling confidence in our electoral system,” said Marbil.

This early, Marbil said they have already started the preparations, starting with the intelligence-driven operations and maximum police visibility which is the main goal of his order to deploy at least 85 percent of policemen to the streets.

He said the PNP will work closely with local government units (LGUs) and other law enforcement agencies in securing the 2025 national and local elections.

Among the collaborative efforts, according to Marbil, are the conduct of conducting frequent operations in hotspots of illegal activities, increased checkpoints, legitimate police operations based on credible intelligence, and community awareness programs to encourage public reporting of suspicious activities.

“Our commitment is to safeguard the democratic process and ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a secure environment,” said Marbil.

“By cracking down on illegal firearms, drug syndicates, and armed groups, we aim to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law. I urge the public to support our efforts and report any illegal activities to help us achieve our goal of a safe and fair election,” he added.

Marbil stressed the importance of taking decisive action to dismantle networks that enable illegal firearms, drugs, and private armed groups to operate.

He added that the comprehensive effort involves intelligence operations, community cooperation, and strict law enforcement and includes implementing checkpoints and patrols in critical areas, heightening intelligence operations against PAGs and the illegal drug trade, and enforcing stricter measures to account for legitimate and loose firearms in high-risk areas.

“This campaign is part of broader reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at making the PNP more community-centric and enhancing its capabilities in crime prevention and response,” said Marbil.

“We urge the public to cooperate with the authorities by providing information that can help us locate and apprehend those involved in these illegal activities. Together, we can uphold the rule of law and safeguard our democracy,” he added.

Related Tags

loose firearms midterm elections Philippine National Police PAGS
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