Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. (FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is monitoring 45 potential private armed groups (PAGs) in preparation for the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Monday.
Acorda said these groups consist of around 200 members with approximately 400 firearms.
“Ahead of the October election, PNP units in six regions of the country are continuously monitoring the activities of 3 active private armed groups and 45 potential PAGs with an [estimated] more or less 200 members with almost 400 firearms that may be used for partisan activities in the 2023 BSKE,” Acorda said in a press briefing in Camp Crame in Quezon City.
The elections will be held on Oct. 30, while the election period is from July 3 to November 14.