SP endorses activation of Task Force Kutawato

SP endorses activation of Task Force Kutawato

COTABATO CITY --- The SangguniangPanlungsod (SP) of this city government is determined to strengthen peace and order with the endorsement of Resolution No. 6124, Series of 2017, or the organization and activation of “Task Force Kutawato.”

CouncilorAbdillah Lim, who endorsed the SP resolution, said the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) has unanimously adopted and approved the proposed organization and activation of the task force.

Lim said the proposed task force shall be composed of elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), specifically the 5th Special Forces (SF) Battalion, and the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) which are tasked to maintain law and order, public safety, and law enforcement within the territorial jurisdiction.

“With the distinctive topographic characteristics of our city, composed of dozens of islets and criss-crossed by numerous waterways, neither the AFP nor the PNP operating separately could ensure the security of the area. In addition, with the steady growing population and economic activities, there is an imperative necessity to unify and combine the resources and capability of both law enforcers through the organization of a joint task force so they could effectively perform primary duties and responsibilities and ensure the safety and security of our populace,” said Lim.

Lim revealed they would task Lt. Col. Nasser Lidasan of the Philippine Army’s SF to be the commander of Task Force Kutawato.

“Copies of this resolution approved by the body last February 14, 2017 have been furnished to the following for their appropriate action; President Duterte, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael D. Sueno, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo M. Año, Police Director General Ronald M. Dela Rosa, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen.Glorioso V. Miranda, 6th Infantry Division Commanding General Brig. Gen.Arnel B. dela Vega, and PNP PRO XII Regional Director Chief SuperintendentCedrick G. Train,” said Lim.

Meanwhile, the SP also endorsed the request of Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi to the 6th ID to organize and develop a Special Civilian Active Auxiliary (SCAA).

“We cannot deny the fact that our city is presently growing, both in terms of economic development and population density. In parallel to this growth is the possible rise in criminality and security threats which could not be discounted or underestimated,” he said.

Though there is the CCPO, he added, that is tasked to maintain law and order in the city, aside from the presence of a battalion-less size of Philippine Army SF elements, these combined strength of law enforcers and soldiers are still not enough to ensure the safety and security of the city against lawless elements.

“The unique topography of the city necessitates the need for a sizeable number of law enforcement and security forces. Therefore, it is only a must to organize and develop the SCAA to serve as augmentation force of the PNP in the urban and commercial centers,” said Lim.(GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)