jiliplus PNP cracks down on private armed groups, loose guns

MANILA, Philippines —  To ensure the safe conduct of the 2025 midterm elections, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil yesterday ordered an intensified crackdown on private armed groups (PAGs) and unlicensed firearms.

Marbil issued the directive to boost public safety and mitigate potential violence in next year’s elections.

Aside from KOJC members, Jeffrey Celiz and Lorraine Badoy are also included as the respondents of the case. They are TV personalities known for red-tagging. 

Singson is not running under any party, but is grateful for Duterte's endorsement. He also claimed to have helped Marcos in his presidential bid.

“By aggressively targeting PAGs and the illegal firearms they use, we are dismantling their capacity for violence and intimidation,” Marbil said.

PNP data showed that up to 8,628 people were arrested for violating the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition from Jan. 1 to Nov. 30. Of the number, 2,033 are from Metro Manila followed by 979 in Central Luzon and 906 in Central Visayas.

Police said 3,951 of the firearms were from Central Luzonjiliplus, 3,023 from Western Visayas and 2,175 from the National Capital Region.