CIDG forms task force to solve high-profile crimes

MANILA, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has formed Task Force Pivot to solve high-profile crimes and go after criminal groups operating in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

CIDG chief Director Benjamin Magalong said the task force will complement the efforts by the local police in bringing down crime rate.

He said the task force has started reviewing “cold cases,” which have not yet been considered closed.

Magalong said these cold cases include the killing of champion car racer Ferdinand “Enzo” Pastor, journalist Ruby-lita Garcia in Cavite, Japanese Iwasaki Hiroshi Sato in Parañaque and an Australian man in Cavite.

He said the task force was created in compliance with the directive of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima to address crimes.

“Our Interior Secretary is concerned about these cases, that’s why we are making this a priority,” he said.

Magalong said 15 teams of detectives and investigators have been deployed as part of the elite task group to follow up on these cases. Each team will be composed of eight policemen.

Pastor was killed in an ambush in Quezon City on June 12. He was driving a truck at the corner of Visayas Avenue and Congressional Extension Avenue when a gunman on a motorcycle stopped alongside and shot him.

Garcia was shot at close range by two men in front of her house in Barangay Talaba, Bacoor Cavite on April 7.

Brethon Metken was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Maragondon, also in Cavite on July 30.

Sato, 49, of Alabang, Muntinlupa City, was driving his car when two men on motorcycle shot and killed him on May 8.

The CIDG chief said the task force will have pro-active functions, where operatives will conduct pro-filing of criminals, particularly those riding on motorcycles in a bid to identify and arrest them.

Magalong clarified that the task force will not duplicate functions of the local police.

He said although the CIDG has been regularly involved in anti-crime efforts, the task group will focus on crimes in Metro Manila.

“The task force will support efforts of the National Capital Region Police Office and the local police districts. There will be no duplication because everything is coordinated,” he added.