Chiong: They are being maintained by politicians, sugar planters

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Task Force Kasanag (TFK) National Commander John Chiong, during a press conference over the weekend, said several private armed groups are still operating in Negros Occidental, particularly in the northern part of the province.

“I have personally witnessed the presence of private armies,” he said. “They are maintained by some politicians and sugar planters.”

Chiong noted, he recently met with Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa in Iloilo, where he brought up his concern regarding the groups.

He added, the groups often show up during land conflicts.

The TFK leader called on the PNP chief to put an end to the matter, calling it a threat to democracy.

“If this continues, it [will] also sow fear [in] people,” Chiong said.

Meanwhile, he pointed out, Dela Rosa ordered Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, to address the problem./DGB, WDJ