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NTF - Disbandment of Private Armed Groups 

The NTF-DPAGs Secretariat was operationalized on 17 June 2020. The NTF-DPAGs Secretariat is composed of the Joint Normalization Committee of the OPAPP, the Joint Peace and Security Committee, the Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism Office of the DILG, the Directorate for Operations of the Philippine National Police, and the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

SECTION 24, ARTICLE 18, 1987 Philippine Constitution - Private armies and other armed groups not recognized by duly constituted authority shall be dismantled. All paramilitary forces including Civilian Home Defense Forces not consistent with the citizen armed force established in this Constitution, shall be dissolved or, where appropriate, converted into the regular force;

Role of LGUs

In the IROG of the NTF-DPAGs: 

• Support and Cooperation: All branches of the government departments, bureaus, agencies, offices, and local government units, including government-owned or controlled corporations, shall render full support, assistance, and cooperation to the NTF-DPAGs in carrying out its mandate

Role of LGUs

• Support and Cooperation: All branches of the government departments, bureaus, agencies, offices, and local government units, including government-owned or controlled corporations, shall render full support, assistance, and cooperation to the NTF-DPAGs in carrying out its mandate

• Strengthen peace and development institutions and mechanisms to increase their responsiveness to peace, conflict, and security issues.

• Ensure government rationalization, coordination, and monitoring of the delivery of socioeconomic programs, and other interventions by donor institutions and government agencies. 

• Promoting a culture of good governance and good will that will benefit the long-term security of the country. 

How can the community help in Dismantling PAGs?

In Support to Security & Law Enforcement

• Do not use, nor encourage the use of, PAGs

• Report to the AFP/PNP if you have knowledge about PAGs or potential PAGs

• Support the AFP/PNP in their operations against PAGs

• If possible, open up a hotline where people can inform or make information available on PAGs

In Support to Legal & Case Build-Up

• Offer help in building up cases against PAGs

• If tapped, be cooperative on investigation and documentation

In Support to IEC

• Help the NTF-DPAGs in raising awareness of the public about: 1) the threat of PAGs and 2) government’s efforts in disbanding PAGs

• Encourage PAGs members to abandon their gun-wielding way of life

• Support the NTF-DPAGs in distributing IEC materials

• Support the over-all Strategic Communication Plan of NTF-DPAGs

Legal Bases / References

• SECTION 24, ARTICLE 18, 1987 Philippine Constitution