Cops to be trained in boxing, martial arts

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will train policemen in combat sports, including taekwondo, boxing, karate and arnis, which would not only provide health benefits but also enhance their anti-crime fighting ability.

The combat sports program was envisioned along with the PNP’s effort to address shortage of service firearms through new procurement of guns worth P1.2 billion.

PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said the combat sports program, or Labanang Pampalakasan, will instill discipline and enhance and develop self-defense skills of all PNP personnel.

Bartolome said the combat sports program was a brainchild of Deputy Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr., PNP deputy chief for administration (DCA), who got the idea during his recent visit to Japan.

While in Japan, Cacdac learned that Japanese police personnel have been practicing judo and karate as their combat sports until they retire, making them experts in their chosen field.

“If our policemen are trained in combat sports, they can defend themselves without using their firearms,” Cacdac told The STAR.

In his letter of instruction (LOI), Bartolome said the PNP has long established the human rights-based policing but most police officers are dependent on their issued firearms that they instinctively use even in unwarranted situations.

He added that the combat sports program could also help policemen develop hand-to-hand combat and other skills to enable them to defend themselves and the community they serve.

Cacdac said the first phase of the implementation of the LOI will be conducted at the national headquarters, and eventually in the regional offices as the second phase.

The PNP-DCA added that 50 percent of personnel strength of the offices will be required to undergo training on Tuesdays and the other 50 percent on Thursdays.

The PNP officials also expressed optimism that the Philippine Public Safety College, which trained new recruits, will adopt the combat sports program.