THE Philippine National Police (PNP) stepped up intelligence and investigative efforts against gun-for-hire syndicates, urging anyone with credible information on contract killings to report to law enforcement authorities for immediate validation and action.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police organization treats all information related to contract killings with utmost seriousness.
“We are intensifying operations against illegal firearms, pursuing wanted persons linked to organized criminal activities, and working closely with prosecutors and partner agencies to ensure successful prosecution,” Nartatez said in a statement on Friday.
He said the PNP is strengthening operational and intelligence efforts to dismantle criminal groups involved in contract killings.
“If anyone, regardless of position, has credible information that could help identify individuals or syndicates involved in contract killings, we encourage them to share it with law enforcement so it can be properly validated and acted upon,” Nartatez said.
He directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to validate any information related to alleged gun-for-hire operations.
PNP records revealed that in some cases, a confiscated firearm from a member of a gun-for-hire group or syndicate is connected to more than two recorded criminal activities.
Nartatez said the drive against loose firearms and armed groups is part of a collective effort to ensure peaceful and orderly election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in September.
He instructed the Intelligence Group to intensify monitoring of organized crime groups and contract-killing syndicates and ensure timely intelligence sharing with police units on the ground.
“Every piece of credible information can help save lives, solve cases, and hold offenders accountable. We encourage the public to continue working with the PNP as we pursue those who threaten the safety and security of our communities,” he said.
