Business World Online
Posted on 07:25 PM, May 07, 2010
The Independent Commission Against Private Armies failed to carry out its mandate of completely eliminating private armed groups nationwide in time for the May 10 elections. Instead it has left the task to the next administration by proposing laws and directives that would address the problem in the long run.
The body, loosely referred to as the Zenarosa Commission since it is headed by retired Court of Appeals Justice Monina Arevalo Zenarosa, reported on Friday that there were still 72 active private armed groups as of May 6.
The commission has "engaged" 35 groups by arresting 130 members, confiscating a total of 127 firearms, and receiving 81 firearms surrendered by alleged members of the private armies.
But while it has already delisted nine groups, four groups were added to the 112 that the commission has been monitoring since January.
Data from the commission also showed that active private armed groups are concentrated in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
There are nine provinces which have been identified to have private armies including Abra, Masbate, Nueva Ecija, Samar, Basilan, Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Sulu. The list excludes areas infested with Communist insurgent groups and Muslim separatists.
PNP Deputy Director-General Edgardo E. Acuna said that the increase in the number of private armies was due to the start of the local campaign season, with new politicians collaborating with veteran candidates and employing this technique to earn votes and win.
"Although not all of the private armed groups have been dismantled, many of them have been rendered ineffective," commissioner Herman Z. Basbano told a Palace briefing on Friday.
In its recommendations submitted to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on May 5, the commission endorsed and recommended for the passage of an Anti-Private Armies Act.
Mr. Basbano said there was a need to create a bureau that would take over the management of provincial, city and municipal jails from local governments, having noted that politicians tend to use jail officials for their own interests.
The commission also recommended the abolishment of Executive Order 194 issued by former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada as this allows civilians to own an unlimited number of firearms.
It also noted the presence of a group called Davao Death Squad allegedly associated with Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte, as well as "misguided elements" of Task Force Davao and Special Cafgu (citizen armed force geographical unit) Active Auxiliary.
The commission said an anti-drug police auxiliary unit I Zamboanga del Norte was allegedly used by the Jalosjos family to maintain its political stronghold, while another "death squad" in Tagum City is also allegedly being maintained by mayor Rey T. Uy, among other groups.
"We’re praying and hoping that the next administration will take cognizance of our recommendations and apply these because the problem of private armies will definitely be here for quite a time. [We should] help each other out, not only in this administration but also by the next administration," Mr. Basbano said.
-- Gerard S. dela Pena with a report from Mary Grace M. Gato
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