PNP: Quezon City Task Force Disiplina members not authorized to carry guns on duty

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified Tuesday that membership in Quezon City’s Task Force Disiplina does not authorize its personnel to carry firearms while on duty, following the fatal shooting of three teenagers in Barangay Batasan Hills.

PNP Public Information Office chief PCol. Allen Rae Co said the task force’s mandate to enforce local ordinances and regulations does not require its members to carry guns.

“‘Yung kanilang trabaho bilang Task Force Disiplina members does not entitle them or authorizes them to carry firearms while doing their duty,” Co said. 

He noted that the task force was created to promote discipline and ensure compliance with city ordinances, including rules on curfew and public drinking.

“This is actually ironic sa nangyari na ito. No violation of ordinances or rules or even the law will justify killing people, ‘yung individuals,” Co said. 

Unlike police officers, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel and National Bureau of Investigation agents, Task Force Disiplina members are not issued firearms as part of their duties, he added. 

However, he noted that the individual involved in the shooting could have acquired his firearms through separate licenses and permits. 

The PNP is investigating whether the two guns recovered from him were registered and who owned them.

Co said initial reports indicated that the suspect was on duty and conducting patrols when the shooting happened. 

Authorities are still verifying reports that he may have been under the influence of alcohol.

The PNP will also request a drug test for the suspect.