Task Force Usig to probe killings of foreigners, too

MANILA, Philippines - The mandate of Task Force Usig, which was created to handle killings of media practitioners and members of militant groups, has expanded to include the investigation of the killings of foreigners.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Versoza said he has directed Task Force Usig chief Director Raul Bacalzo to start informing task force investigators of their additional task.

“We will expand the scope of the mandate of Task Force Usig; it will include the killings of foreigners, but these (killings) will be categorized according to motives,” Versoza said.

The PNP chief met with media practitioners during the lunch break of the first day of the two-day seminar on “Security and Preventive Measures for Media Personalities” at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Reporters from different networks, publications, and press corps attended the first day of the seminar, with Senior Superintendent Expedito Urillo of the Directorate of Intelligence giving the lecture.

Urillo gave tips on how to be aware of threats and avoid being the subject of attacks.

“If you receive death threats, report (these) to the police, tell (these) to somebody you trust and take positive actions,” Urillo said.

The PNP sponsored the seminar in response to the directive of President Arroyo to ensure zero political and media killings.

Earlier, Versoza announced his proposal for the creation of an inter-agency committee to look into the motives and patterns behind these killings.

He said the PNP is expanding the functions of Task Force Usig to include the creation of regional units to be headed by the deputy regional police director for administration that will also provide assistance and security to the families of victims.