Task Force Crusaders Against Crime, Drugs Launched in Bacolod by: James U. Sy Jr.

The Task Force Crusaders Against Crime, Illegal Drugs, and Corruption Grand Launching on August 20, 2016 at the Grand Regal Hottel (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo).

Bemedalled PNP Gen. (Ret.) Romeo Maganto, Ph.D. in Criminology, Consultant of the OSG and National Commander of the Task Force Crusaders, as guest speaker, talked about crime in the Philippines during the Task Force Crusaders Against Crime, Illegal Drugs, and Corruption Grand Launching on August 20, 2016 at the Grand Regal Hotel (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo).

Master of Ceremonies Gil Alfredo B. Severino, MA, a UP-Diliman trained Social Sciences Instructor at Riverside College, with Guest Speakers Ms. Mary Jane Faune Locsin, Hugpong Federal Coordinator and Close Aide of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, and bemedalled PNP Gen. (Ret.) Romeo Maganto, Ph.D., during the Task Force Crusaders Against Crime, Illegal Drugs, and Corruption Grand Launching on August 20, 2016 at the Grand Regal Hottel (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo). The Task Force Crusaders Against Crime, Illegal Drugs, and Corruption Grand Launching was successfully held by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) under Hon. Atty. Jose Calida in cooperation with Kasanag Foundation Inc. under Founder/President John Chiong under the auspices of the Office of the President under President Rodrigo Duterte on August 20, 2016 at the Imperial Hall, Grand regal Hotel, Araneta St., Bacolod City. Bemedalled PNP Gen. (Ret.) Romeo Maganto, Ph.D. in Criminology, Consultant of the OSG and National Commander of the Task Force Crusaders, told the volunteers and the media who attended the gathering that the TF was created to serve as the counter-intelligence unit of the Office of the President and of the Office of the Solicitor General, and carry out covert operations if necessary, and help in the president’s nationwide campaign against illegal drugs, crime, and corruption. Gen. Maganto appointed PO2 (Ret.) Rex Noble as regional commander and Chiong as Deputy Commander and National Secretariat, and concurrent Commander for Western Visayas. He also offciated the oath-taking of TFC commanders, deputies, and volunteer-members from Negros Island Region, Iloilo, Cebu, Biliran, and Cagayan de Oro with an initial headcount of 30 (although a million volunteer-members from all over the nation is expected ultimately). Gen. Maganto, whose resume would speak volumes, was introduced very briefly, yet concisely, by emcee Gil Alfredo B. Severino, M.A., a UP-Diliman trained educator teaching at Riverside College, when he said, “If I will read his whole resume, it will take me up to 2:00 PM, so I will just let the man speak for himself.” The venerable general is a 31-year veteran of the Philippine National Police (PNP) with no leaves and absences, rising through the ranks from a mere patrolman to police general based on merit and achievement. He is the youngest to be promoted to police general at age 44 and is the one and only police officer to be awarded Top 10 Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines 7 times, inspite of the fact that 116,000 police officers vie for the recognition. During the press conference, Gen. Maganto explained the nature of the TFC. Recruitment for the TFC will focus on retired AFP, PNP, and NBI personnel, individuals who already have the necessary training and skills for the job, as well as other patriotic Filipinos. All applicants must not have criminal records. The TFC as a counter-intelligence unit is not a vigilante group, which the general wouldn’t encourage because it is against the law. Initially, crusaders will be volunteering their services because of a lack of funds for the period. However, crusaders will be rewarded with whatever monetary bounty that is placed on the head of captured criminals. TFC members will be allowed to carry firearms but the general will have the last say on who will be allowed to carry them. Mary Jane Faune-Locsin of Janiway, Iloilo, Visayas Coordinator of Hugpong Federal and a close aide of President Duterte, was the guest speaker, explaining what is federalism and the president’s plan to transition into a federal government. Also present during the launching were Gloria Villamin, Project Implementor/Coordinator-Talisay; Lilia Matti, Project Implementor/Coordinator-Bago; Pastor Winston Villanueva, KASANAG Head Organizer; Edith A. Riofrer, KASANAG VP-Operation/Coop Chairman; Sarah C. Villan, usherette; and the Bacolod media.