‘Disarm, charge politicians conniving with gun-for-hire syndicates’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) must disarm and file charges against the politicians who reportedly connived with a gun-for-hire syndicate to liquidate their political opponents.

“The PNP should go after all guns-for-hire and hit squads as part of their regular operations to promote law and order in the entire country,” said Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III.

“Those who tap guns for hire are actually principals in the crime. Their liability is the same or as serious as the gunman’s,” said Pimentel.

For his part, Senate President Vicente Sotto III expressed belief that PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde must have sufficient basis to back his statement about the politicians from Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Cagayan, Bulacan, La Union and other areas in Luzon as well as Metro Manila.

“I doubt if (Albayalde) plucked his report out of thin air. They must have uncovered plots or (intelligence) reports on gun-for-hire syndicates. The problem is proving these allegations in court to be able to file the necessary charges,” said Sotto.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said politicians using guns-for-hire to eliminate their opponents exist, especially in the local level.

Lacson, however, advised the PNP to first file charges against the politicians before their names are made public.

“I think it’s premature for the PNP to name names if they are not yet ready to file the necessary charges,” Lacson said.