MANILA, Philippines --- Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify the crackdown on Private Armed Groups (PAGs) and illegal firearms. Abalos said in a statement Monday that the PNP should bolster efforts to end "senseless violence" targeting local government officials and preventing criminality in the country. Abalos' order came after the recent gun attacks on three local government officials, resulting in the death of a vice mayor and nine aides. The fatal and near-fatal ambush happened two to three days apart in Lanao del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, and Pasay City in Metro Manila from February 17-22. READ: PNP chief: Recent g...Keep on reading: Abalos orders PNP to intensify clampdown on private armed groups, illegal arms