Kidapawan activates Army-PNP task group

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): Kidapawan activates Army-PNP task group

To strengthen its security component and deter any terroristic plot, the city government here on Monday officially activated “Task Group Kidapawan” in simple rites held at the city gymnasium.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista led the ceremony together with Col. Roberto Ancan, commander of the Army's 1002nd Brigade; Lt Col. Harold Argamosa, 39th Infantry Battalion commander; Senior Supt. Leonardo Suan, PRO-12 deputy director for operations; and Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato police director.

According to Evangelista, the Task Group will augment the current security set-up and would beef up the PNP personnel who are securing the city’s 150,000 residents.

Task Group Kidapawan is comprised of personnel from the 39th IB and 72nd IB and would team up with the Local PNP, Traffic Management Unit (TMU), Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), and 911 Response Unit to address potential threats and swiftly attend to emergencies.

"We envision Kidapawan as a place to live, to invest, to study, and to retire. And to those who want to destroy and disturb us make sure you can sustain because I will give you one big shot," Evangelista said.

During the ceremony, the mayor turned over a mobile patrol car, and eight tri-cabs and communication equipment to equip the task group.

In his message, Ancan expressed gratitude to the LGU for the support in implementing security efforts.

He also emphasized few points for members of the new unit to always uphold human rights, secure the people, work as a team and always seek guidance from the Almighty.

After the ceremony, the team was immediately deployed to perform their duties, coinciding with the on-going celebration of "Kasadya sa Timpupo," a fruit festival celebrating the city’s foundation anniversary.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006360