Counter-terror experts training Makati cops

In an effort to further strengthen and professionalize its local police force, the city government of Makati has teamed up with foreign experts to provide counter-terrorism training to policemen.

Officers of the Makati Police Department (MPD) are also being briefed on latest crime scene investigation advancements.

This is being done with the help of the British and Australian investigation and counter-terrorism specialists.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said the training forms part of the RP-UK Counter-terrorism Bilateral Assistance Program, which has been ongoing for a year now.

He said he hopes the training will help strengthen ties with the two countries and enhance the MPD’s capabilities to protect Makati’s constituents and stakeholders.

Among the speakers in the seminars include Colin Warburton from the UK and Ian Sinclair from Australia.

"Our objectives are to ready officers against terrorism and explain to them the need to properly secure and preserve crime scenes to protect the integrity of the evidence," Warburton said.

The experts are also sharing their knowledge on various aspects of police work, including hostage negotiations. Techniques on interviewing witnesses and handling bomb threats s are also being discussed.

Binay said the training also forms part of MPD’s preparation for a centralized Emergency Alert and Response System (EARS), one of the Makati government’s projects to be launched this November.

The Makati Command, Control and Communication, or Makati C3 is expected to work effectively in answering emergency calls from its community and dispatch response teams such as the MPD, fire department, emergency health and rescue services and other public safety offices.

Binay said the system is expected to greatly improve Makati’s security and emergency response capabilities to better ensure peace and order in the country’s financial district.

"We hope that these preparations will help create a safer and more secure Makati. Likewise, we hope these will help attract more investors to the city," he said. – Michael Punongbayan