MANILA, Philippines—Elite teams of police detectives and investigators will be targeting specific criminal groups operating in Metro Manila and focus on solving high profile crimes.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has formed Task Force Pivot, which will focus on bringing down the crime rate and “cold cases” which have not yet been considered closed.
CIDG Director Benjamin Magalong said 15 dedicated teams of detectives and investigators have been deployed as part of the elite task group, to complement efforts by the local police.
“Our interior secretary (Manuel Roxas II) is very concerned about this, that’s why we are making this a special priority,” the official said.
Each team will be composed of eight policemen, who will concentrate on Metro Manila crimes.
The task group will focus on tracking down specific criminal groups operating as motorcycle-riding criminals, gun-for-hires, etc.
It will also revisit and solve cold or unsolved cases dating back two years, particularly high-profile, sensational criminal cases.
Magalong cited the ambush of champion racer Ferdinand “Enzo” Pastor, the killing of journalist Rubylita Garcia in Cavite, and the recent murder of an Australian national in Cavite.
He clarified that although the CIDG has been regularly involved in anti-criminality efforts, the formation of the task group meant the unit’s focus on efforts in Metro Manila.
“This will be in support of the complementary efforts of the National Capital Region Police Office and the local police districts. There will be no duplication because everything is coordinated,” Magalong added.
Earlier, the CIDG also formed a major crimes investigation unit to handle high-profile crimes.
The CIDG will evaluate its progress based on scorecards as basis of what they have already or not yet achieved.
In addition, their investigators and detectives are regularly undergoing a 10-day continuing education course after which they will take tests to assess their skills and knowledge.
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