THE Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) is monitoring the possible existence of private armed groups or gun-for-hire in the province in preparation for the campaign period of the 2019 midterm elections.

Senior Inspector Aireen Cordua, public information officer of Nocppo, said on Wednesday, October 17, there is a mandate from the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame to destroy these groups if they exist for security reasons.

Cordua said these groups may be used to threaten others, especially during the campaign period, as the midterm election is approaching.

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil Jr., provincial police director, has directed police chiefs to monitor their respective areas to prevent such case to happen, Cordua said.

"If there is a report about their existence or presence in an area, they will be subjected for police operation," she added.

Cordua also said that part of their security plan for the elections is their continuous campaign against loose firearms in the province.