ILOILO – The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) is not ruling out the possibility of criminal gangs being utilized in the May 2025 elections. Of particular concern to the police is a criminal gang based in Lambunao town and primarily engages in robbery and hold-ups rather than contract killings.
According to Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, police provincial director, “Our concern would escalate if their operations included contract killings.”
“Although primarily involved in robberies, the availability of firearms to them cannot be ignored, especially during the election period,” Razalan added.
The gang initially had 14 members, some of whom have been arrested or killed, according to the IPPO director, while others remain at large, including their leader.
Based on IPPO monitoring, the leader is currently believed to be in Zamboanga after having been in Palawan.
“I have directed our intelligence officers to exert effort and even travel to these locations to ensure follow-ups and potential capture as part of our (Philippine National Police) chief’s directive to dismantle criminal gangs,” added Razalan.
Razalan inspected Festive Walk Mall in Mandurriao, Iloilo City yesterday – the venue for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for provincial level aspirants.
Alongside criminal gangs, the IPPO is also keeping an eye on communist insurgents which continue to pose challenges to both the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Razalan acknowledged that recent encounters in the province have significantly reduced the number of active terrorists, leaving only remnants.
Regarding organized crime, Razalan confirmed that no groups currently exist in the province that could disrupt the election period. However, the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) — comprising the PNP, AFP, Philippine Coast Guard, and Commission on Elections (Comelec) — is set to discuss security measures for the upcoming elections, focusing on identifying areas that may need to be included in the election watchlist areas (EWAS), also known as “election areas of concern” or “election hotspots.”
The Comelec categorizes EWAS under four colors: green for areas with no security concerns, yellow for those with a history of election-related violence or intense political rivalry, orange for areas that also face threats from armed groups, and red for those with a violent history and active threats from terror groups, which may warrant direct Comelec oversight.
The red category represents the highest concern.
The filing of COC began on October 1 and will conclude on October 8.
With the midterm elections fast approaching, security forces in Western Visayas are ramping up efforts to prevent disruptions, particularly concerning potential threats posed by the New People’s Army (NPA).
Both the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) and the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) are on high alert as the weeklong filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) progresses.
“Our priority is the safety and integrity of the election process. We will not allow any group, rebel or otherwise, to disrupt the democratic exercise,” said Brigadier General Jack Wanky, regional police director.
The military and police are particularly concerned about reports that some election candidates may be pressured to pay “campaign fees” to the NPA. Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, spokesperson for the 3ID, issued a stern warning: “Candidates who provide financial support to the rebels could face charges of conspiracy to commit rebellion. Any form of payment to these groups will be treated as direct assistance to their cause.”
According to Javines, despite the significant reduction in rebel forces due to recent military actions, the NPA is still trying to exploit the upcoming elections to fund their activities.
“The rebels will do anything to survive, including attempting to extort money from local candidates,” he added.
The military has already intensified its monitoring in areas known for rebel activity, making it increasingly difficult for the NPA to collect such fees.
Wanky echoed the concerns of the military and stressed that cooperation between the police and military is essential to counter these rebel activities.
“We are working closely with the Armed Forces to ensure that candidates do not succumb to these demands. Any financial support provided to the rebels constitutes a conspiracy and will be met with legal consequences,” Wanky emphasized.
He further warned local government officials against financially supporting the NPA, reminding them that this could also violate the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials.
“We will not hesitate to take action against those who engage in such illegal activities,” he said./PN
