Naga wants SWAT team

CEBU, Philippines - Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong is planning to ask for a team of Special Weapons and Tactics personnel from the Cebu Provincial Police Office as a preparation for any heinous crimes that may happen. 

Chiong said this does not mean his city is unsafe but said this is only a preemptive measure against untoward incidents.

“Kanus-a man diay ta mangandam? Kung naa na? It is only a preparation,” he said.

He said his plan of requesting personnel from the provincial headquarters also does not mean he does not trust the Naga police.

He said that policemen and SWAT personnel have different fields of specialization.

Chiong said he still has to make a proposal which will be subject to the approval of the council. If his proposal will be approved he assured to provide the necessary equipment needed.

“Ilaha lang ang personnel akoa ang kinahanglanon,” he said, adding that the SWAT team will be based in the Naga City Police Station.

Supt. Eduardo Saavedra, officer-in-charge of the station, welcomed the proposal of Chiong but said they have not discussed the matter. Saavedra said he will support whatever the decision of the mayor as long as it does not harm the city and its constituents.

“Kung naa’y proposal, makaayo mana dili na nato balibaran kay nakapabor mana nato,” he said.

He added that he found no problem regarding training, equipment, and seminars that can improve the competence of the police as long as it will be funded by the city.

“Ako okay ra if naa pero wa ko nag-propose ana,” Saavedra said. (FREEMAN)