Force multipliers hope to get salary soon

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Josefino Ligan is optimistic that the Task Force Kasaligan personnel who have been deployed in the barangays since September to help enforce quarantine health protocols will receive their salary before the year ends.

Ligan said the members of the Task Force Kasaligan (Kaluwasan sa mga Amigo Cops ug Sugbuanon Ang Gusto sa Atong Liderato nga Ipatuman Gumikan sa hulga sa Covid-19 Alang natong Tanan) have not yet received their salary from the month of September.

“Wala pa sila’y nadawat (even one month). So hopefully, ang LGU matingob ang hatag sa ilang sweldo sa tulo or upat ka buwan at least ikalipay napod kaayo na nila kay dugay napod nila gitinguha nga ma-sweldohan sila,” he said, adding that this would somehow serve as their Christmas bonus from the Cebu City government.

However, Ligan clarified that the force multipliers were not complaining regarding the delay of their salary. He only stressed that they hoped to receive it before the year ends considering that it would be a great help for their respective families.

A total of 179 force multipliers were deployed in barangays in the city starting September to help the cops enforce quarantine health protocols.

Ligan acknowledged the big help of the force multipliers as they continue to monitor the internet shops in the barangays.

“Dako sila’g tabang labi na sa mga ka-barangayan sige sila’g pamadlong aning mga internet shops sa ka-barangayan nga ang mga bata manulod ug magdula og computer unya violation pa baya gihapon, below 15 years old are still not allowed outside,” he said.

When asked if they will extend the contract of the Task Force Kasaligan, Ligan said there is no directive yet from the LGU but it might continue considering that there are upcoming big events next year.

“Accordingly, i-continue next year kay aduna ta’y dagkong event nga pagabuhaton but wala pa ma’y abiso,” he said.

The local government unit (LGU) has allowed them to serve from September until December this year. — JMD (FREEMAN)