2025 elections
TACLOBAN CITY—With less than two months remaining before the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas is intensifying security preparations to ensure a safe and orderly election in the region.
One of the key measures being implemented is the dismantling of private armed groups that continue to operate, particularly in the provinces of Samar and parts of Leyte, according to B/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, the police regional director.
“These private armed groups, and even ordinary criminal groups, have been utilized by some politicians to further their illegal activities,” Pawid said during a media conference ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas ’on August 6.
Specially those with outstanding warrants, to ensure their eventual dismantling,” he added.
Pawid noted that based on their monitoring, four private armed groups remain active in Samar province and in certain areas of Leyte.
“We are closely watching three criminal groups and one private armed group, primarily operating in Samar and parts of Leyte,” he said.
Samar, particularly its first congressional district, which includes Calbayog City, is frequently designated as an area of concern during elections due to the presence of armed groups and incidents of violence.
Similar concerns have been observed in Leyte’s third district, as evidenced by incidents during last year’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
“I have also directed local police 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,” Pawid added.
The campaign against private armed groups, suspected to be maintained and supported by some local politicians, received a significant boost after the leader of a major armed group surrendered on May 5 of this year.
Jimmy Managaysay, 36, surrendered to the police in Calbayog City.
He was facing multiple charges, including murder, robbery, homicide, and grave threats, among others. Along with his surrender, Managaysay also turned over several firearms to the authorities.
Managaysay’s group operated in Calbayog City and throughout the entire first district of Samar.
Following his surrender, another member of his group, known by the alias “Edgar,” also surrendered to the police. He was likewise facing several charges, including murder and frustrated murder.
JOEY A. GABIETA
