Radaza disbands force multiplier
CEBU, Philippines — Mayor Paz Radaza formed the City of Lapu-Lapu Allied Force (CLAF) in 2016 to serve as a partner of the police in their efforts to maintain peace and order.
In two years, the group's membership swelled from less than 50 to now 170. That's on top of the 50 members from the island-barangays of the city.
The members were tapped by the city police and city government for security, logistics, and traffic management.
However, following reports that some members were involved in illegal drugs, Radaza was forced to discontinue the CLAF's operations two weeks ago.
This was revealed by CLAF head Isabelito Darnayla, who is also the barangay captain of Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.
"Gipaundang na gyud niya. Pagsugod sa June, daan na siya mi-advise nako nga June 30 ra taman ang CLAF. Iyaha undangon pero pilian niya’g balik. Pilian na gyud niya katong tarong, i-screening na," Darnayla told reporters at a press conference on Monday.
Darnayla said he already directly told the members about the decision of Radaza.
He clarified though that only the CLAF in the mainland was dissolved, not their counterparts in the islands of Olango, Caubian, Pangan-an, and Caohagan.
The CLAF, according to Darnayla, began with noble objectives. Its operations went smoothly even though there were problems about a few of the members' performance.
Later on, as the organization grew, some members have allegedly become involved in illegal drugs. There were even others who abused their position by extorting from residents, he said.
"Daghang istorya nga nangwarta, mga gipangbuhat nga di na maayo," Darnayla said.
Though the group has helped the community, he said the mayor was left with no choice but to disband it.
"Anugon gyud siya kay nakatabang gyud siyas komunidad. Ni-appeal to mga taga CTMS og TEU (Traffic Enforcement Unit of LCPO), kay ang CLAF dako og tabang," the CLAF head added.
Darnayla dismissed rumors that the reason why CLAF was abolished by the city government was because of politics. (FREEMAN)
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