The Quezon City local government has disbanded Task Force Disiplina effective Tuesday, October 13, following a shooting involving one of its personnel that killed three people, including a minor, in Barangay Batasan Hills.
Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered all members of the task force to return to their mother unit, the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), and undergo strict screening before they can remain with the department, the city government said in a statement.
“Wala nang awtorisadong operasyon o pagroronda sa ilalim ng Task Force Disiplina,” the local government said in a social media post on Tuesday.
The required screening includes background checks, neuropsychological examinations and drug tests, as well as the submission of clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the police.
The city government said no member would be exempted from the process.
The dissolution came a day after a member of the task force allegedly shot three young men in Barangay Batasan Hills on Monday, October 12, resulting in their deaths. One of the victims was a minor.
The city government clarified that it does not issue firearms to any Task Force Disiplina member, adding that only police officers among the city's personnel and force multipliers are authorized to carry firearms.
“Nililinaw ng lokal na pamahalaan na walang baril na iniisyu sa sinumang miyembro ng Task Force Disiplina. Sa hanay ng mga tauhan at force multiplier ng lungsod, tanging mga pulis lamang ang awtorisadong magdala ng armas,” the LGU stressed.
Belmonte also directed the Quezon City Police District, led by Police General Chris Olazo, to intensify its campaign against illegal firearms.
Residents were urged to report any unauthorized Task Force Disiplina patrols in their barangays through the city's Helpline 122. The public may also report information about civilians suspected of possessing or concealing illegal firearms.
“Walang buhay na dapat mawala dahil sa iresponsableng paggamit ng armas. Kaligtasan ng mamamayan ang pangunahing tungkulin ng lokal na pamahalaan, at walang puwang sa serbisyo publiko ang sinumang hindi makakasunod dito,” the city government said.
