TF Kutawato launched

SECURITY FORCE --- City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi (2^nd from left) signs a memorandum of agreement with City Police Director Senior Superintendent Victor Valencia, 6^th ID commander Maj. Gen. Arneldela Vega, 603rd Brigade commander Col. Jesus Sarsagat, and 38th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Michael Santos spelling out the commitment and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the reactivation of “Task Force Kutawato.” At inset is Councilor Abdillah Lim who pins the TF insignia to one soldier. (GILMHAR A. LAO– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- To further secure the environ from threats, the city government here launched last April 25 the “Task Force Kutawato” in rites led by Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, local officials, and Army and police officials.

Task Force Kutawato (TFK) was first established in the 1990s to address kidnap-for-ransom incidents perpetuated by organized crime groups victimizing mostly  Filipino-Chinese traders. 

“The Task Force is reactivated due to the growing threats of terrorism in different parts of the country. We are just making sure that our security and anti-crime capability is always one or more steps ahead of the criminals and the lawless elements,” Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

She said the reactivation of the Task Force is timely in the midst of the government’s campaign against terrorism and extremism.

“The city government is fast tracking its various development programs. As we go through with these development activities, criminalities will somehow thrive. Cotabato City is a growing city and, thus, vulnerable to different forms of criminalities. Its population is also growing rapidly,” the mayor said.

She further said “street crimes are inevitable.”

“The task force will be closely coordinating with the city police during all the operations that they will be conducting in the city to make sure every step they make is in accordance with the law,” she said.

The Task Force’s creation was conceptualized by 603rdBrigade commander Col. Jesus Sarsagat, in collaboration with the city government of Cotabato.

Maj. Gen.Arneldela Vega, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division,  expressed his full support to the operations of the TFK.

“The task force expresses the strong commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be part of the city’s peace-keeping efforts in order to sustain its economic growth and development. In partnership with the city government, the task force will intensify its activities in promoting peace and security within the area of responsibility”, said Maj. Gen. Dela Vega.

Col. Jose Gongona, who is the deputy commander of the 603rd Brigade, heads the Task Force.

A memorandum of agreement was between and among Mayor Guiani-Sayadi, 6th ID commanding general,603rd Brigade commander, 38th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Michael Santos, and City Police Director Senior Superintendent Victor Valencia which states the commitment and responsibilities of each stakeholder.

Further, city officials and the military officials also donned the Task Force Kutawato insignia to the soldiers, which marked the beginning of their task in the city.

In addition, the mayor turned over six units of motorbikes to the task force amounting to P300,000 (P50,000 each)to be used in patrolling the city’s 37 barangays.

“We will add more service vehicles, water crafts, and communication gadgets,” she said.

It was learned that the task force’s revival hasthe support of religious leaders, barangay officials, and the business community. 

Councilor Abdillah Lim, who endorsed a SP resolutionreactivating  the Task Force, said the move is significant in maintaining law and order, public safety, and law enforcement.

“We should consider the topographic characteristics of Cotabato 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. For one thing, there is an imperative necessity to unify and combine the resources and capability of 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. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)