'Well-trained, well-equipped': City of Naga forms elite SWAT group

CEBU, Philippines - At least 20 young "well-trained and well-equipped" personnel will compose the pioneering batch of the Naga City's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team whose goal is to respond to the city's emergency needs, most especially during criminalities and terroristic activities.

Mayor Valdemar M. Chiong said the creation of an elite SWAT group aims to effectively confront rising levels of crimes that may go with the urbanization and increasing population of this young industrial city.

The city earns the distinction as the first among local government units to have its own elite anti-crime unit under the jurisdiction of the Cebu Provincial Police Office.

Like any other progressive cities, Chiong said the city needs the presence of a SWAT team to protect its people and visitors from lawless and criminal elements and ensure peace and order in the locality.

Chiong said the 20 selected policemen have already undergone a 45-day, rigorous SWAT training at the Regional Public Safety Battalion headquarters in Sibonga town to further enhance their tactical skills to combat potential threats.

They will be in the forefront of responding to high risk situations such as conducting hostage rescues, countering bank robberies, kidnapping and counter-terrorism operations.

Once it becomes fully operational, the elite police team may respond to crime situations in the neighboring towns and cities in Cebu's first congressional district.

The city government has earmarked P1.5 million to fund the training which also accommodated SWAT trainees from the police stations in the cities of Talisay, Danao and Bogo.

The SWAT training came barely a week after Supt. Brindo Nacario assumed as the new City of Naga Police Station chief.

In his acceptance speech, Nacario promised to reduce crimes, arrest wanted criminals and tap the support of the community to ensure that the city will be "a peaceful place to live in, work and do business with."  (FREEMAN)