GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) – Officials of the Task Force El Niño in South Cotabato have expressed concern over the increasing cases of cattle rustling and theft of farm animals in various farming villages in the province in the wake of the continuing onslaught of the long dry spell.

Reynaldo Legaste, provincial chairman of Task Force El Niño, said they have received reports that a significant number of farm animals tended by local farmers have been lost to robbers and cattle rustlers since the El Niño phenomenon intensified in early February.

He said in some cases, the animal thieves struck even in broad daylight, specifically during noontime.

“This is a major concern for us now since it will have significant impact on the capability of our farmers to cope with the adverse effects of El Niño, especially in terms of productivity and food access,” Legaste said.

Among the farm animals that were targeted by the robbers were swine, carabao, cows, ducks and chickens, he said.

Supt. Jose Calimutan, South Cotabato deputy provincial police director, admitted that they have monitored an increase in theft and robbery cases in the province’s 10 towns and lone city since the dry spell started to affect several communities in the province.

He said they have already mobilized all their units in the province to monitor these cases and identify the possible suspects.

Chief Insp. George Parcon, police community relations chief of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office, earlier said their initial investigation showed that some organized criminal groups were likely behind the rise in theft and robbery cases in the province.

He said these groups were reportedly behind the burglaries and robberies in housing subdivisions and some commercial establishments.