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TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — Policemen in Eastern Visayas are closely monitoring at least four private armed groups in Samar and Leyte, nine months before the 2025 midterm elections.
Police Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, police director for Eastern Visayas, said these armed groups have been utilized by some politicians to advance their respective agenda and carry out illegal activities.
“We are going after these groups, especially those with outstanding warrants, so we can dismantle them,” he said in an interview on Aug. 6.
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Based on the information gathered by the police, Pawid said the four private armed groups remained active in Samar province and some parts of Leyte.
Samar, particularly its first congressional district, was considered an “area of concern” by the Philippine National Police during past elections due to the presence of armed groups and incidents of violence.
The district consists of the city of Calbayog and the towns of Almagro, Gandara, Matuguinao, Pagsanghan, San Jorge, Santa Margarita, Santo Niño, Tagapul-an, and Tarangnan.
Similar concerns have been recorded in Leyte’s third district, composed of the towns of Leyte, Calubian, San Isidro, Tabango and Villaba.
Preparations
The campaign against private armed groups, suspected to be maintained and supported by some local politicians in the region, received a boost after a leader of a major armed group surrendered last May 5.
Jimmy Managaysay, 36, surrendered to the police of Calbayog City after he was linked to incidents of murder, robbery, homicide and grave threats, among others. His group operates in the first district of Samar.
Pawid said local policemen were ramping up security preparations to ensure a safe and orderly election in the region.
“These private armed groups, and even ordinary criminal groups, have been used by some politicians to advance their illegal activities,” he said.
“I have directed local policemen to identify areas accessible only on foot, as well as barangays lacking road networks and communication signals, to prepare appropriate interventions in relation to the forthcoming elections,” he added.