Authorities in Negros Oriental province are keeping tabs on remnants of a dismantled private armed group (PAG) who may return for the May elections or for personal reasons, an official said on Wednesday, Jan 15.
Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), revealed that at least six members of the disbanded group are believed to have fled to another part of the island after their operations were shut down years ago.
These individuals are wanted for their alleged involvement in shooting incidents, including some that were election-related, Polinar said.
They are also being investigated for potential links to the assassination of former Governor Roel Degamo on March 4, 2023, although Polinar refused to provide further details.
The police, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), are monitoring the suspects’ movements, with Polinar assuring the public that their return to Negros Oriental would not go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have not received reports of armed men or guns-for-hire arriving in Negros Oriental for the mid-term polls.
Entry and exit points including airports, sea ports, and land borders are secured by law enforcement authorities to ensure that no lawless elements can enter the province, Polinar said.*PNA