PNP activates Mindanao task force vs kidnaps

DAVAO CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated Task Force Mindanao to replace the just-dissolved Task Force Sanlahi after several of its ranking officers were reported to be involved in the recent spate of kidnappings in Southern and Central Mindanao.

Southern Mindanao regional police director Chief Superintendent Eduardo Matillano said Task Force Mindanao will now oversee the police campaign against criminality on the island, particularly kidnapping.

"Lessons were learned from the implementation of Task Force Sanlahi. That is why there is now a review of the functions and the implementing guidelines of Task Force Mindanao so as not to commit the same mistakes again," Matillano told The STAR.

The task force shall be headed by PNP deputy director for operations, Chief Superintendent Edgardo Galvante, and would likely be based at Camp Lira in General Santos City in South Cotabato.

The implementing guidelines and other pertinent operational details of Task Force Mindanao shall be discussed during the two-day anti-crime summit slated to be held here starting tomorrow to be attended by ranking police officials from across Mindanao, Matillano said.

Six regional task forces, to be headed by the regional police directors, will likely be included in the organizational structure of the task force, including other PNP line agencies, such as the PNP Intelligence Group.

Matillano said there would be thorough check on the records and backgrounds of those who will be members of Task Force Mindanao to prevent a repetition of the case of Task Force Sanlahi.

Two senior officers of Task Force Sanlahi were relieved from their posts and confined strictly to Camp Crame after they were implicated in the kidnapping activities of the Pentagon kidnapping gang.

Matillano also stressed Task Force Mindanao will be under the direct supervision of PNP chief Director General Leandro Mendoza.