Multi-Agency Task Force Launched to Uncover Causes of Typhoon Tino Disaster
In a decisive move to address a major calamity, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has established a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) named "Tino." This comes in the wake of the immense devastation to property and the tragic loss of numerous lives following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.
Coordinated and Transparent Investigation Underway
The newly formed task group is a multi-agency team mandated to scrutinize the causes of the widespread flood damage that ravaged community assets. Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the chief of PRO-7, has emphasized the gravity of their mission. He has pledged that the investigation will be grounded in technical and field assessments to deliver a report that is complete, accurate, and transparent.
The SITG "Tino" will conduct a coordinated and transparent probe focusing on several critical areas. These include the environmental conditions prior to the typhoon, the integrity of existing infrastructure, and the preparedness measures taken ahead of the disaster's impact.
Scope: Accountability and Systemic Failures
The scope of the investigation is comprehensive. It will look into potential legal violations and determine the accountability of government officials, particularly concerning the flood control system and mitigation efforts. The probe aims to identify the factors that contributed to the severe flooding, which resulted in hundreds of fatalities, missing persons, displacements, and extensive property damage.
This task force will collaborate closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 7 (RDRRMC 7), PAGASA, and Local Government Units. The goal of this partnership is to gather technical assessments, eyewitness accounts, and consolidate all relevant data.
The SITG "Tino" is chaired by the Deputy Regional Director for Operations of PRO-7. The team is supported by several key units, including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Regional Field Unit 7, the Legal Office, Engineering Unit, Forensic Unit, and the Investigation and Detective Management Division. City and Provincial Directors from Cebu City, Mandaue, and the Cebu Police Provincial Office are also integral members of this investigative body.
The task group's efforts will support the ongoing investigation by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), ensuring a thorough and multi-faceted approach to understanding the disaster.
