No politics in Task Force Waterfront abolition, says Barias
Newly installed Police Regional Office (PRO 6) regional director Chief Supt. Geary Barias dispelled rumors that there is politics behind his decision to abolish the Task Force Waterfront.
Barias said he merely wanted to give back to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) the responsibility of maintaining the peace and order at the waterfront barangays, namely, Brgy Monica, Concepcion, Zamora, Legaspi, Muelle Loney, Veterans Village, Sto. Rosario-Duran, and Gen. Hughes.
Barias also denied that Task Force Waterfront is abolished because some of its members engage in protection racket.
"The waterfront area has already been neutralized, there is no more need for a Task Force Waterfront. I think the ICPO can already handle it," Barias said.
Task Force Waterfront was formed in 2002 following the take over of the Philippine Ports Authority of ports operations at Muelle Loney port.
It was established to stop the occurrence of extortion activities, illegal drug trade, and series of killings in the area.
The task force is presently headed by Senior Supt. Lazaro Torcita.
Barias said policemen detailed in Task Force Waterfront would be returned to their respective mother units.
ICPO director Senior Supt. Norlito Bautista reportedly welcomed the abolition of Task Force Waterfront, though he vowed to give special attention to the waterfront area in their operations.
Meanwhile, barangay officials and residents are divided on the abolition of Task Force Waterfront.
Brgy. Captain Frank Espinosa of Brgy. Monica said in a radio interview that he wanted the task force to remain "but if the region (PRO 6) wants to take it we can do nothing."
Certain residents, on the other hand, expressed their sentiments over local radio stations calling on Mayor Jerry Treñas to block the abolition of Task Force Waterfront.
They fear that the abolition of the task force would pave way to the resurgence of criminalities in the area.