Cops to get regular marksmanship training

MANILA, Philippines - After getting their brand new 9mm Glock 17 Generation 4 pistols, policemen should now have their regular marksmanship training.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima said he is finalizing an agreement with the National Range Officers Institute (NROI) for the regular marksmanship training for policemen nationwide.

“We are looking forward to signing a MOA (memorandum of agreement) with NROI for the regular marksmanship training of our policemen,” said Purisima.

President Aquino personally led the ceremonial distribution of 22,603 of the 74,879 pistols the PNP purchased from Trust Trade for P1.198 billion, so far, the biggest procurement of pistols in PNP history.

The President had also approved the P9-billion modernization fund for the PNP this year.

The fund will be used to purchase patrol cars, assault rifles, communications equipment, hire more police officers and civilian employees.

The PNP chief said police skills in shooting, especially with pistol and rifle, is one of the aspects provided in the so-called CODE-P, which stands for competence, organization development, discipline, excellence and professionalism.

Purisima said the CODE-P program was meant to establish a credible and capable police force attuned with the integrated transformation program Patrol 2030.

“We have been working hard to enhance the competence of each and every policeman, undertake some organizational development reforms, instill discipline within the ranks, promote excellence in the performance of our duties, and institute professionalism at all levels of the organization,” said Purisima.

At present, Purisima admitted that policemen are not mandated to undergo regular marksmanship training, resulting in poor shooting skills.

“With our MOA, we will put marksmanship training as a requirement in promotion of police officers. The NROI will then set regular marksmanship training for our policemen,” Purisima explained.