Capitol creates task force vs. criminality

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia signed yesterday Executive Order (EO) No. 9 creating the "Cebu Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Criminality."

This is in response to the series of high-profile crimes that occurred in Cebu province recently.

She cited as basis Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which empowers a local government unit like the Province of Cebu to enact measures for the promo-tion of the general welfare.

The spate of killings not only undermines public order and safety, it will also affect the economy and tourism industry if not properly dealt with, she stated.

The governor, however, said the cooperation of everyone is needed to address peace and order concerns even with the task force.

"We encourage the informants to work with us but of course we will provide them the rewards and incentives that they deserve because we also recognized the risk on their side," said the governor, who heads the task force.

The task force members include the chairman of the Provincial Board chairman of the committee on peace and order, and the regional directors of the Police Regional Office, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Drugs and Enforcement Agency, the Regional State Prosecutor and the Department of Social Welfare and Devel-opment.

Other members include the provincial police director and the police directors for various cities and special units, as well as the Battalion Commander of RPSB-7, among others.

The task force has an enforcement and investigation division, the prosecution and legal division, a public relations division, a special projects and programs division and the rewards and incentives division.

Gov. Garcia said that the fund of the task force will come from the Provincial Government.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Erson Digal and Police Regional Office 7 Director Ager Ontog joined the governor in the discussion for the task force, which will focus on ambush, killings, high profile cases and other crimes in Cebu.

Digal said they are studying the sources of the illegal firearms used in the killings, which is also a priority of Ontog, the new PRO 7 chief.

Another focus is the formulation of a rewards system, Digal said, adding that this will include information on who are involved in the illegal guns business.

They are thinking of an amount that would be enough for the witnesses not to be afraid to relay information.

Also, a witness protection program will be provided to encourage people to share or reveal information on illegal drugs and illegal firearms.

Meanwhile, Digal said random checkpoints will be conducted all over Cebu, as he reminded all chiefs of police to avoid committing human rights violations. - Ria Mae Y. Booc/ Mellanie C. Rosales/ Apple P. Pernes, PIT Intern/JPM (FREEMAN)