Quezon City Task Force Disiplina abolished

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government abolished yesterday the city’s Task Force Disiplina following the deadly shooting of three teenagers by one of its members.

Mayor Joy Belmonte directed the task force members to immediately report to their mother unit, the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS).

“No operations or patrols under the Task Force Disiplina are authorized,” city hall said.

Before they can remain as DPOS members, each personnel must pass a rigorous background check, neuropsychological examination and drug test. They must also submit National Bureau of Investigation and police clearances.

“No one will be exempt from this screening process,” Belmonte said.

Belmonte issued the directive after a drunk member of the task force shot dead three teenagers for supposedly violating the city’s curfew ordinance on Monday.

The suspect, Alvince Tolentino, has been removed from the service.

Tolentino refused to apologize for his actions, saying the victims disobeyed the curfew ordinance.

He yielded a gun. But the city government said no firearms were issued to any member of the task force. –  Emmanuel Tupas