Res Gestae
Well done, farewell Task Force Waterfront
Truly, some good things never last!
Today, Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 will officially transfer the mission, functions, jurisdiction and personnel of Task Force Waterfront to Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO). The deactivation of this "Super body" is the first boldest move of the new PRO 6 Regional Director, Police Chief Superintendent Geary L Barias in his desire to re-align the assignments of police personnel in the region to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness. Amidst negative speculations on the decision to dissolve the Task Force Waterfront, I am confident that PCSupt Barias' decision was based on the assumption that the peace and order situation in eight (8) waterfront barangays, which were formerly known as haven of criminals and lawless elements affecting the operations of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) at Iloilo River Wharf (IRW), has gone back to normal.
Contrary to what others thought of the deactivation as politically motivated, I view PCSupt Barias' decision as the affirmation of the remarkable accomplishments of Task Force Waterfront. In a sense, we no longer need a Task Force when the problems which caused its creation no longer exist. In other words, Task Force Waterfront has already served its purpose. Successfully!
After almost four (4) years in existence, the Task Force Waterfront did not only bring industrial peace at the Iloilo River Wharf but importantly assures everyone that they are safe to live, work, invest and do business at Barangays Zamora, Melliza, Legaspi, Sto. Rosario-Duran, Concepcion, Muelle Loney, Monica and Veterans Village.
I can still remember the varied reactions of the residents of said barangays when the Task Force Waterfront started to be visible in the area on December 4, 2002, the day when the port operations were turned-over from private operators to Philippine Ports Authority. It was a resemblance of "martial law", many would say. But, a great many also expressed their confidence to the "peace" that the Task Force would be bringing in their midst. True enough, the first peaceful Christmas and New Year's celebrations in the waterfront areas happened on December 25 and 31, respectively, of that year. And, so were the Christmas and New Year's celebrations the years thereafter.
Apparently, the transfer of command to ICPO does not "dissolve" the Task Force. While bearing a completely different name, COMPACT Waterfront remains a force to lean on when the lawless elements and other criminals attempt to resurrect in the area. Thus, it would be a grave mistake for the Organized Crime Groups (OCGs) and drug personalities to conduct their clandestine operations at the waterfront thinking that the Task Force no longer exists. The fact is, the outposts are still there, as well as the vigorous men and women of the then Task Force Waterfront! The name of unit might have changed, but the real strength -- the police personnel of the deactivated Task Force -- remains!
However, we cannot conceal the fact that the name Task Force Waterfront will soon fade in our memory. This is the reason I extend my warmest congratulations to those who have been part of the great Task Force Waterfront -- the Police Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers alike. Particularly, I salute all the Commanders who have displayed their exemplary leadership in making the Task Force Waterfront a kind of police unit that people of Iloilo City can always cherish and remember: PSSupt Felix Muchada (Retired), PSSupt Efren S Quintos (Retired), PSSupt Isagani R Cuevas (Good luck to the would-be General!), and PSSupt Lazaro Torcita. Kudos to all of you!
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