Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 178)
The Task Force is chaired by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The Task Force is composed of elements from various law enforcement agencies or entities as identified by the Chairman, specifically the PNP and other units involved in law enforcement.
The main functions include identifying professional squatters and squatting syndicates including public officials or companies involved; conducting surveillance and verifying intelligence; coordinating with prosecutors and local governments for evidence gathering and prosecution; providing police protection to victims; supporting local anti-squatting committees; submitting regular reports to the President; and performing other functions as directed by the President.
Section 27 of Republic Act No. 7279, also known as the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA), mandates such cooperation.
Executive Order No. 129 dated October 15, 1993, created the National and Local Committees Against Squatting Syndicates and Professional Squatters, which serve as oversight and implementing bodies.
It directs local police chiefs through the PNP regional directors to fully support and assist the Local Committee Against Squatting Syndicates and Professional Squatters in their intensified drive against such syndicates.
The Task Force provides police protection to victims, including government housing beneficiaries who may have been victimized through exorbitant fees, fake titles, or disinformation.
The Task Force submits regular reports to the President through the Presidential Commission on Mass Housing (PCMH).
Executive Order No. 178 took effect immediately upon its issuance on November 23, 1999.