D.P.A. (Straight from the Camp)
By Francisco B. Lindero, Jr.

Paradox of Task Forces

I don't intend to provoke anyone to think negatively of the already existing task forces. That is not my point here. Though, I can hardly convince most of you to think other than extortion and harassment should I make mention of Task Force Anti-Illegal Fishing (TFAIF) under PSInsp Leroy Rapiz. I don't and won't beg you to think otherwise. Much more, of course, with Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas whose unwavering confidence makes the embattled police officer almost untouchable even by the big brass of Police Regional Office 6. But, the reign of Senior Inspector Rapiz will be short lived with the creation of a PNP Regional Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force to replace the Governor's beleaguered task force.

I want to make clear that though I will be naming some task forces here, the theme for this stuff has nevertheless a more encompassing character. This is meant to lay down some truths which many of you have never realized about the task forces.

Whenever a task force is created, the first thing that may enter our mind is that a new body—usually, a law enforcement body—comes to existence. Contrary to what we thought, nothing is really “new” with the creation of a task force. Why? Because the task force is simply a coalition of various agencies – law enforcement or otherwise – that forged an agreement to address a specific concern or problem. To put it clearly, these agencies are not neophytes in catering the problem for which the task force is created. These agencies are rather directly or indirectly involved with the problem. Otherwise, it is really unreasonable to do so. And, this is where the paradox lies in what appears to be a super body.

A task force may imply a bigger, stronger and more aggressive body with more encompassing jurisdiction than the authority of any of its members. But, in contrary, it also subtly indicates the inability of these agencies to effectively and efficiently carry out their functions on that specific matter or concern. Otherwise, we don't need a task force.

The Task Force Waterfront, for example, came to existence when Philippine Ports Authority foresaw the problem on taking over the arrastre and stevedoring services from private operators on November 2002. Without the Task Force Waterfront, the Iloilo River Wharf would never be as peaceful as it is today. Without the Task Force Waterfront, millions of revenues in port operations will only go to the pockets of the few!

The present grueling issue on jueteng and illegal gambling operations in all provinces nationwide, particularly in Luzon area, also calls for a concerted effort from various agencies to address the problem. Relatively, the PNP conceptualized a Task Force for the purpose of curbing the proliferation of illegal numbers game everywhere. But this lead role by the PNP will be inutile unless it receives an uncompromising support from Local Chief Executives. The PNP can only do as much but if the Mayors, Governors and, better yet, the Barangay Captains, cooperate in the campaign, a more significant accomplishment will be made. How could members of the PNP boldly run after financiers and bettors of illegal gambling when “untimely” re-assignment is the prize in doing so? And, worse, the Governor himself, if not the mayor, affected by the accomplishment will ask for the relief of Chiefs of Police, Provincial Directors and even the Regional Directors in disguise of LCE's supervision and control over the PNP? Indeed, this truth was underlined in the retirement speech of the then Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco last May 23. The retired General lamented the too much politicization of the PNP. Shortly stated, the Task Force Anti-Illegal Gambling (and other Task Forces for that matter) of the PNP is unnecessary should the LCEs themselves dare to take the cudgels and, at once, put illegal gambling (and other menace and lawlessness) an end.

Thus, the next time we hear a creation of a new task force, we understand that the paradox in the said effort will mean either of the following: 1) That enhanced security is guaranteed in the combined forces of several agencies; or 2) That the low performing agency joining the task force will have the cover-up for its incompetence; or 3) That the already bad situation is made worse by possible diffusion of responsibility among the members of a “new” body.

For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at rogatepnp@yahoo.com or text 09193161190.