Quezon City government dissolves Task Force Disiplina after officer kills 3 teenagers

Created in 2019 through an executive order, Task Force Disiplina was mandated to enforce city ordinances, rules, and regulations

MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City government abolished its Task Force Disiplina (Discipline) on Tuesday, October 13, following the killing of three teenagers by one of its members in Barangay Batasan Hills.

Task force member Alvince Tolentino, who was reportedly drunk at the time, shot the three teenagers on Monday, October 12, The Philippine Star reported. Batasan Police Station commander Gemmer Tubiera said the officer confronted the teenagers, who were still outside during curfew hours. The shooting happened at 2 am along Senatorial Street corner Batasan-San Mateo Road, Barangay Batasan Hills, according to the Quezon City Police District. One of the fatalities was a minor.

The suspect is now in police custody and faces three counts of murder.

Created in 2019 through an executive order, Task Force Disiplina was mandated to enforce city ordinances, rules, and regulations.

The Quezon City government clarified that it had not issued firearms to members of the task force.

Following the abolition, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered task force members to return to their mother unit, the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS).

Belmonte also required the members to undergo background checks, neuropsychological examinations, and drug tests, as well as submit clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation and the police, to retain their posts at the DPOS.

“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 Quezon City government said in a statement.

(No life should be lost because of the irresponsible use of firearms. The safety of the public is the primary responsibility of the local government, and there is no place in public service for anyone who cannot uphold this duty.) – Rappler.com

Loading