Task force to unmask kidnappers' 'protectors' in M'danao

The government has formed a task force that will investigate and identify public officials involved in kidnap-for-ransom activities in Central Mindanao. The task force will be headed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima as his co-chair. Members of the task force are Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Gen. Raul Bacalzo, National Police Commission (Napolcom) vice chair Eduardo Escueta, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Phillip Kimpo, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Assistant Director Medardo de Lemos. According to a joint department order issued Thursday, the creation of the task force was prompted by reports and intelligence information that local officials, as well as police and military personnel, in Central Mindanao are aiding or protecting kidnap-for-ransom groups. “Whereas, these intelligence information of public officials’ involvement has to be further elaborated and investigated in order to identify and collect evidence against said public officials for their arrest and prosecution," the department order stated. The order was issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The group has 60 days to submit its findings and recommendations to President Benigno Aquino III. Region XII is composed of the provinces of Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat and the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal, Kidapawan and General Santos (SOCCSKSARGEN). - KBK, GMA News