PNP neutralizes 20 private armed group members amid election security drive

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has neutralized approximately 20 private armed group members, mostly in Mindanao, as part of its intensified election security campaign since last year.

Most of these individuals were associated with local armed groups in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo noted that some members of local terrorist groups were found to be working as private goons for politicians during election periods.

The PNP, in coordination with the military, began operations against these groups last year, following an order from former PNP Chief Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar.

Eleazar had previously expressed concern about private armed groups being hired for political assassinations and illegal fundraising, and also highlighted the need to control loose firearms used in election-related violence.