Central Luzon cops told to dismantle private armed groups for 2025 polls
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla visits Police Regional Office 3 at Camp Captain Julian Olivas in San Fernando City in Pampanga province on Oct. 18, 2024 (Photo from Police Regional Office 3/Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines – Interior and local government Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged Police Regional Office 3 in Pampanga to crack down on private armed groups ahead of the 2025 national and local elections.
“Our fight against private armed groups must be relentless. I urge the Police Regional Office 3 to double their efforts to dismantle these groups that undermine peace and stability in our region,” Remulla said.
He made the statement during his visit to Camp Captain Julian Olivas in San Fernando City on Friday.
Central Luzon was among regions being monitored by the Philippine National Police for private armed groups in the lead-up to the October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
READ: 48 private armed groups on PNP’s radar as 2023 Barangay, SK polls near
Article continues after this advertisementRemulla told the cops, “We must ensure that our communities remain safe and secure, free from the influence of these lawless elements.”
Article continues after this advertisementPRO3 Director BGen. Rederico Maranan responded by saying, “We stand ready to fulfill our mission of dismantling private armed groups and maintaining the peace in Central Luzon.”
“The support and guidance from our leaders strengthen our resolve to serve and protect the people,” he added.
Regional visit
During his trip, Remulla commended PRO3 for apprehending seven suspects in the killing of online sellers Arvin and Lerma Lulu.
“Your efforts reflect the true spirit of public service and our commitment to uphold the rule of law,” the cabinet member told law enforcers.
On Tuesday, PRO3 announced it arrested seven individuals for the double murder of the Lulu couple, who were shot dead in their car on the afternoon of October 4 in Mexico town in Pampanga.
READ: Online sellers’ slay suspects confessed to 12 other shootings, says PNP
Remulla on Friday also visited the Pampanga capitol, where he outlined plans to streamline local government auditing processes, launch a nationwide 911 emergency response system and increase capacity building for every province.
