TF Waterfront abolition may result in collapse of city's economy--Drilon
Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon expressed fears that the economy of the City will be affected with the planned abolition of the Task Force Waterfront.
Drilon said without the task force chaos, extortion activities, entry of illegal drugs and unsolved killings may again crop up in the waterfront area, the center of trade and commerce in the city.
Such was Drilon's reaction over Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 regional director Chief Supt. Geary Barias' move to deactivate Task Force Waterfront as "it is no longer useful."
Task Force Waterfront was specifically created four years ago to maintain peace and order in the area.
The task force is actually composed not only of the members of the Philippine National Police but also other government agencies that contributed to the worthy existence of the group at the waterfront area.
Drilon spearheaded the creation of the task force following the take over of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) of port operations at Muelle Loney.
The PPA take over came after the reported widespread existence of extortion activities, illegal drug trade and series of killings in the area.
Trade activities at the waterfront area includes shipment of cement, rice, corn, sugar, steel and other basic commodities. Before, the shippers complained that they are charged excessive fees as soon as their ships dock at the Muelle Loney port.
Drilon, in a radio interview, said the PPA was able to raise a whooping P5 to P20 million in revenues when they took over the port operation.
He said, it is an indication that the trade and commerce in Iloilo port is flourishing.
Drilon added the increase in port revenues indicate that the port operations has improved with the presence of the Task Force Waterfront.
Drilon said there could be a powerful politician behind the deactivation of the Task Force Waterfront. He, however, refused to identify the politician.
The News Today sources said the dismantling of the task force is only preparatory to the plans of a politician to turn over the operation of the Iloilo port to a private person. The same source said the chief executive and one top official argued in Metro Manila over the plans to turn over the port operation to a certain group.
The Ilonggo senator also said the dismantling of the task force is a challenge to Mayor Jerry Treñas. He said it is up to the mayor to take a stand on the decision of the Philippine National Police.
Meanwhile, Treñas said nothing is wrong with the deactivation of the task force as the Iloilo City Police Office can handle the peace and order along the waterfront area. He said he was assured by Iloilo City Police Office Director S/Supt. Norlito Bautista of their capability to maintain peace and order in the area.
Treñas was formally briefed by Chief Supt. Barias on the deactivation of the task force Monday. Barias made a courtesy call to the mayor on the said day.
The deactivation of the task force was made by Barias prior to his consultation with the chief executive and the barangay officials along the eight barangays at the waterfront area.
In the same courtesy call, Barias turned over 3,000 rounds of ammunition for the proficiency marksmanship of policemen. The ammunitions are for the .45 caliber pistol and 9 mm pistol.