PNP activates composite anti-crime task force vs high-profile crimes

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday created a national composite anti-crime unit that will handle the investigation of high-profile crime incidents.

The move is in line with the instructions of President Benigno S Aquino III for the DILG-PNP to stem criminality, accentuated by the recent high-profile murder cases in Quezon City, Davao City, Bohol, Pangasinan, and Batangas.

PNP chief, Director General Alan L Purisima, announced this Wednesday in Camp Crame and designated CIDG chief, Director Benjamin Magalong, to head the newly-created unit. Support components of the task force are the PNP Intelligence Group, Crime Laboratory, and other PNP National Support and Line Units.

Purisima said the Task Force will perform the adhoc function of addressing major crime incidents that require coordinated investigative, intelligence, legal and tactical actions.

To complement the investigative efforts of the anti-crime unit, he directed Police Regional Offices to intensify intelligence-driven and focused patrol and checkpoint operations in crime-prone areas based on data determined by the crime clock and crime map.

The DILG will augment the intelligence funds required to support the operations of the Task Force.

Purisima added that other complementing actions initiated by DILG-PNP include the activation of a text and call hotline for confidential information; convening of the PNP Rewards Committee; and the implementation of CCTV requirement for business establishments particularly convenience stores, bank, pawnshops, money changer shops, and remittance and payment centers.