PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. yesterday assured the country that their campaign against terror, especially against individuals who have been designated as ‘terrorists’ by the Anti-Terrorism Council or ATC will remain relentless.

The PNP also gave full support to the latest ATC resolution that designated suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves and his armed groups as a ‘terror group.’

“This terrorist designation strengthens government resolve against terrorism, and further adds more teeth to the ongoing police operations, investigation and case build-up against these persons for involvement in terrorist activities in different areas,” the PNP said.

“As an active member of the Anti-Terrorism Council, the PNP will explore further collaborative efforts with other ATC member agencies to set into motion the wisdom and intent of the national leadership to ensure the safety of the people from crime and terrorism,” the statement issued by PNP Public Information Office chief Brigadier Gen. Redrico A. Maranan said.

According to the official, the PNP also ‘reaffirms its commitment to continue our relentless efforts in going against Private Armed Groups (PAGs) and terrorist organizations.’

Maranan added that Gen. Acorda has directed all Area Police Commanders, Regional Directors and Chiefs of operating units to intensify the operations against terrorist groups in the country.

“This directive comes as a response to the threats posed by these terrorist organizations, requiring a concerted effort to lessen their capabilities and prevent further harm to our people and communities.

Emphasizing a proactive and intelligence-driven operation, the PNP will mobilize all available resources to dismantle terrorist cells and prevent recruitment, and radicalization efforts,” he said.

Last week, the ATC officially designated Teves and his armed group as ‘terrorists.’

The ‘terrorist group’ tag was given to Teves and his armed followers by the ATC after a thorough investigation into their activities, particularly their involvement in various violent incidents that have caused harm to the residents of Negros Oriental.

“The decision to designate Cong. Teves and his armed group as terrorists were based on compelling evidence and factual incidents,” it said.

“In the case of the Teves Terrorist Group, the province of Negros Oriental has witnessed a series of killings, threats of bodily harm or injuries and harassment with the intention of intimidating its general populace.

These heinous acts have created an atmosphere of fear, severely affecting the personal life and liberty of the residents within the region,” the ATC added.

The suspended lawmaker is accused of masterminding the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel R. Degamo. Nine others were killed along with Degamo.

The gunmen were found to be former military personnel and one of them was a former New People’s Army when they disguised themselves as Armed Forces personnel to be able to enter the Degamo compound.

Last July 31, members of the PRO7 under Brigadier General Anthony A. Aberin gunned down a suspected Teves hitman following a month-long surveillance, casing and intelligence work which ended up in a firefight in Bayawan City.

A team from the PRO7 Regional Intelligence Division and the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit under Colonel Ronan Claraval were forced to fire at suspect Alex Manegos Mayagma when the suspect resisted arrest around 10:55 a.m. Monday.

Brig. Gen. Aberin said that the whole operation was captured by the Body-Worn Cameras used by the operatives.

He said that the slain suspect is the subject of four non-bailable warrants of arrest for murder.

He is also the subject of two pending warrants of arrest for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 and violation of the Omnibus Election Code or the gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections.

The official said that an in-depth investigation is now underway to find out why the killed suspect was present in the area.

The PRO7 director said their operation was also supported by the PNP Special Action Force’s 63rd Special Action Company and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group

The suspended Negros Oriental representative has been considered a fugitive because he is acting like one after the Department of Justice recommended multiple murder and illegal possession of firearms’ charges against him, said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla Jr.