Puerto Princesa City Information Officer Richard Ligad recently provided updates on the operations and challenges of the Anti-Crime Task Force (ACTF), pointing out its contributions to public safety while addressing criticisms and controversies surrounding its operations.
The ACTF, which originated as the “Night Patrol” unit in 2013, was initially focused on nighttime operations. It was transformed into a 24/7 anti-crime unit to address growing public safety concerns.
Ligad explained that the decision to expand the unit’s service hours was made to ensure that its presence would also benefit daytime operations.
“Yung nakikita niyong mga naka-mobil, yan yung mga Anti-Crime Task Force. Dati silang Night Patrol, pero noon, pang gabi lang sila. Kaya sabi namin, bakit hindi natin gawing 24/7 ang serbisyo nila?” he said.
Ligad said that the ACTF plays an important role in public safety, partnering with agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to address crimes, particularly those related to illegal drugs.
The task force also assists with traffic enforcement as its members are deputized by the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO), enabling them to issue citations for violations.
“Kaya may hawak silang citation tickets at tumutulong din sa traffic violations,” he said.
The ACTF is integrated into the city’s 911 hotline and regularly patrols high-crime areas, providing both prevention and quick response.
“Kahit hindi kayo tumawag, nagroronda sila, lalo na sa mga lugar na mataas ang krimen,” Ligad added.
While the ACTF has been praised for its contributions, it has not been without challenges and controversies.
Ligad admitted that barangay officials sometimes fail to act against problematic individuals who are political supporters, leaving the ACTF to intervene.
“May mga pagkakataon na ayaw galawin ni kapitan ang mga pasaway kasi supporter niya. Kung hindi kayang resolbahin ng barangay tanod o kapitan, doon kami pumapasok,” he said.
Critics have raised concerns about the ACTF duplicating police functions, questioning whether its activities overlap unnecessarily with those of the local police force. Ligad defended the task force, stating that he would prefer it to replicate police work rather than allow criminal activities to go unchecked.
“Mas gusto ko nang i-duplicate ang trabaho ng pulis kaysa sa trabaho ng kriminal, he stated, pointing out the sensitive nature of the task force’s intelligence and undercover operations, emphasizing that the identities of its agents remain confidential to ensure their effectiveness.
Another challenge involves coordination with barangay tanods, as some refuse to act due to personal or familial connections with those involved in disputes.
Ligad said that this often leaves the ACTF to handle situations on its own, which can strain resources. Additionally, he acknowledged some residents’ skepticism about their authority, but he assured that the task force operates to assist, not abuse.
“Ang Anti-Crime ay nandidisiplina, hindi nang-aabuso. Kung may reklamo, dapat barangay muna ang unang aaksyon bago kami tumulong,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the ACTF is set to expand its operations, with plans to cover all 66 barangays, particularly in high-crime and isolated areas.
Ligad said the expansion would require additional vehicles and resources, as the demand within the city proper is already heavy.
“Hopefully, ma-cover natin ang lahat ng barangay, pero dito palang sa city proper, mabigat na ang demand,” he explained.
