THE Philippine Army has been monitoring the movement of new but small armed groups in the Negros Island Region.

Colonel Francisco Delfin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said on January 12 that reports have been received of these armed groups asking for food from residents in southern Negros.

“It’s just a small number, about six or seven,” Delfin said.

The colonel noted that these groups usually seek assistance in poor communities, which are consistent with the behavior of lawless elements rather than organized private armies.

Delfin said there have been no reports of private armed groups in the province so far.

“In case there is, we are ready to respond together with the police,” he said.

There have been no reports of election-related violence so far either.

Also, no political aspirant has reported being approached by the rebel New People's Army for permit-to-campaign fees, Delfin said.

On the small armed groups spotted so far, he said the Army is closely monitoring reports, and that "our troops are very active, especially in the hinterlands."

Delfin said they are in constant coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the police in the preparations for the May elections.

The Comelec is scheduled to hold a Provincial Joint Security Command Conference tomorrow, January 14, with police and armed forces representatives.