Task force to probe Region 12 executives involved in kidnappings

MANILA, Philippines - A joint task force of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Justice has 60 days to identify public officials involved in kidnappings in Region 12, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.

Region 12 is composed of the provinces of Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat and the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal, Kidapawan and General Santos.

The joint task force was created to identify and probe public officials allegedly involved in kidnappings in the region.

It is composed of De Lima and DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, as chairpersons; Philippine National Police chief Director General Raul Bacalzo, National Police Commission vice chairman Eduardo Escueta, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Phillip Kimpo and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Assistant Director Medardo de Lemos, as members.

The task force was given 60 days to submit its findings and recommendations to President Aquino.

De Lima said she would announce when the task force would officially start its work.

The joint task force was created following reports and intelligence information that kidnapping groups operating in Region 12 were being aided or protected by some public officials, including police and military personnel.

According to the task force, intelligence information on public officials’ involvement “has to be further elaborated and investigated” in order to identify and collect evidence against these officials for their arrest and prosecution.

The task force said it will also identify law enforcement officials linked with kidnapping groups and establish evidence for their criminal and administrative prosecution.

The task force will conduct interviews, record testimonies and take affidavits of witnesses in public hearings or executive sessions with resource persons, according to the order creating it.