Loose firearms are one of the factors blamed for the prevalence of private armies in the country.

This was the report submitted by police officials summoned on Thursday by a Palace-created commission investigating private armies during its first meeting in Malacañang.

Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) president Herman Basbano, however, declined to provide details on the number of private armies existing in the country provided by the representatives from the Philippine National Police.

Basbano, speaking to reporters in the Palace, said the PNP officials have "identified the proliferation of loose and/or unlicensed firearms as a major factor contributing to the problem of private armed groups."

He said the police also apprised the commission "on what steps they have so far taken particularly and most immediate of which is that of ensuring a clean and peaceful election this coming May 2010.”

The commission, led by retired Court of Appeals (CA) Judge Monina Arevalo-Zenarosa, also asked the police to submit its recommendations on how to resolve the problem of private armies and the control of firearms.

Basbano said the investigating body plans to submit more police and military officials for follow-up briefing in its next meeting on January 11.

“The AFP is being summoned in connection with the CAFGU’s and other groups under its supervision,” Basbano said.

Basbano said the commission has given itself a deadline of end of March, 2010 to be ready with the recommendations for the President. The commission will soon hold its meetings and public hearings in an office at the CA.