PRO-6 to dismantle anti-drug task forces

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  – The Police Regional Office-6 has mulled dismantling territorial anti-drug units in this city, citing the developed familiarity between police personnel and residents in their respective areas.

The City Police has created four anti-drug task forces in the following locations: Brgy. Bakhaw in Mandurriao district; Brgy. Veterans Village and Brgy. Malipayon in the City Proper; and Brgy. Boulevard in Molo district.

Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, PRO-6 director, said all personnel would be pulled out and would be replaced with more aggressive and skilled operatives. “Masyado na silang lubog. Hindi na sila masyadong effective,” he said.

Once reorganization takes place, the personnel would form part of the Iloilo City Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF), but still there will be men to be deployed to areas where there is a perceived proliferation of illegal drugs.

Cruz said t the Iloilo CAIDTF will be under the Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (RAIDTF), which will go against anti-illegal drugs anywhere in Western Visayas.

Aside from task forces’ restructuring, Cruz also planned to revitalize the anti-drug abuse councils from the regional down to the barangay level. “We couldn’t do it alone. We need the help of every sector in our fight against illegal drugs,” he added.  (FREEMAN)