Pubdate: Fri,  5 Jul 2002
Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines)
Contact:  http://www.mb.com.ph/frntpage.asp
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/906
Author: Aris R. Ilagan

NEW PNP CHIEF CALLS FOR COUNCIL OF ELDERS

Deputy Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., newly designated 
officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), batted yesterday 
for the establishment of a Council of Community Elders to promote 
consultations with the civilian sector as part of a multi-approach to 
combatting criminality in the country.

Ebdane also batted for the retention of the National Anti-Kidnaping Task 
Force (NAKTAF) despite a recent order from President Arroyo to disband the 
group along with the National AntiCrime Commission and other task forces in 
the PNP.

Ebdane said that he will promote consultations with the various sectors of 
the civilian community to get inputs and innovative ideas in line with the 
government's overall efforts to neutralize criminals.

He also welcomed President Arroyo's announcement that Davao City Mayor 
Rodrigo Duterte will now head a consultative body on peace and order to 
help the police fight criminals.

Ebdane said that the inclusion of politicians in the proposed Council of 
Community Elders will be avoided to prevent the thrust of the consultative 
body from being tainted with selfish political motives.

The former chief of the NAKTAF was briefed by top officials of the PNP led 
by Deputy Director General Rex Piad, chief of the PNP Directorial Staff; 
Director Edgar Galvante, PNP deputy chief for operations; and Director Rey 
Velasco, PNP comptroller, at the National Police headquarters in Camp 
Crame, Quezon City yesterday.

The command briefing which was held at the PNP Headquarters Conference Room 
was also atatended by regional directors and officials of the PNP national 
support group based at Camp Crame.

"We will welcome suggestions from civilian populace on how to improve our 
peace and oreder siuation," Ebdane said.

The formation of the Council of Community Elders and the retention of 
NAKTAF will be among the proposals to be discussed in the First Summit on 
Peace and Order slated on Tuesday next week.

In the forum, Ebdane said that they will also discuss the specific role of 
Duterte in the government's overall peace and order efforts.

Ebdane said that he favors the retention of the NAKTAF "since its equipment 
and personnel are already focused on anti-kidnaping operations by organized 
crime syndicates."

Unlike in the previous set up when NAKTAF and NACC were both under the 
supervision and control of the Office of the President, Ebdane said that 
his proposed NAKTAF will be under the Office of the Chief PNP.

During the turnover ceremonies for Ebdane last Thursday, Arroyo ordered the 
new PNP leadership to prioritize the neutralization of kidnap-for-ransom 
groups and drug syndicates. She also told Ebdane that she will hold him 
directly responsible for the success or failure of the police efforts 
against kidnap gangs and drug syndicates.

Shortly after his appointment as PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, 
Ebdane also pressed for the retention of the Presidential Anti-Organized 
Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) to combat kidnap-for-ransom gangs.

The PAOCTF, nevertheless, was ordered dissolved by President Arroyo after 
several of its former head, then PNP chief Director General Panfilo Lacson, 
and several of its officials and personnel were linked to various criminal 
activities including drug trafficking and kidnaping.
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MAP posted-by: Beth