Counter-terror training school to rise at Crame

A special training school on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency will soon rise within the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The facility will provide officers an opportunity to enhance their capability in fighting terrorists and insurgents. It will be established and headed by a full police colonel, who will head a new unit to be known as the PNP Training Service (PNPTS).

The creation of the same was approved by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in a bid to further enhance the skills, capability and preparedness of the police.

The school will strengthen the PNP’s ability to address constant threat of terrorism, insurgency and other criminal activities.

Napolcom chairman and Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes announced yesterday the en banc approved Resolution 2005-388 establishing the PNPTS.

He said the school and the new unit shall provide an in-service PNP training management facility that will offer specialized training to counter-terrorism and other crimes.

"The Napolcom approved the creation of the PNPTS in support of PNP’s continuing effort to improve the skills and competencies of its personnel,  particularly in confronting terrorism and other major threats to peace and order," Reyes said.

Napolcom vice chairwoman and executive officer Imelda Roces said the PNPTS will be tasked to supervise, monitor and evaluate the conduct of PNP specialized courses.

It shall likewise formulate and implement quality in-house training and education programs and maintain a pool of qualified and competent instructors.

"The PNP training service shall also coordinate with other government and private educational institutions for exchange programs and accreditation of training courses," Roces said.

She added the PNPTS shall formulate and submit to the PNP Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) the PNP Annual Master In-Service Training and Education Program.

The Napolcom resolution said the PNPTS, considered as a support unit, shall be headed by a police official with the rank of senior superintendent. 

Its funding requirements, which is expected to be minimal since an already existing building within Camp Crame can be utilized into a school, shall be sourced out from the PNP budget.

As of present, training for PNP personnel is offered at the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), but no specific course is offered on counter terrorism and counter insurgency. – Cecille Suerte Felipe