Army election watch up for PAGs, ‘manicurists’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 8, 2019): Army election watch up for PAGs, ‘manicurists’
The Army yesterday reiterated its reminder to incumbent officials and those aspiring to become officials to refrain from using the New People’s Army and armed goons such as the “Bacordo” group as their private armies.

The Army has information that some politicians have sought support from the NPA which is illegal, he said, noting that the number one private armed group in the province is still that of the Communist rebels.
He said they are also monitoring some officials who reportedly are using the “Bacordo group” as their armed goons.

“We have information that needs to be confirmed,” he said.

The Army will also keep a close watch on armed groups that act as “manicurist” on election day. These groups place indelible ink on the fingers of supporters of the opponents of the politicians who hire them to prevent them from voting, Arevalo explained.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/February/08/topstory10.htm