NPDO conducts anti-terror drill

To test the operational preparedness of its police operatives, the Northern Police District Office (NPDO) conducted yesterday an anti-terror exercise in Caloocan City.

NPDO director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil said that the drill was in compliance with a Philippine National Police directive to step up the campaign and preparedness against terrorism following recent bombing incidents in the metropolis.

The exercise that included a bomb threat safety procedure was conducted in front of a business establishment on 6th Avenue in Grace Park, Caloocan City.

Operatives from the Mobile Bike and Patrol Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit participated in the drill.

Bataoil commended policemen, firefighters and rescue teams from the local government for their response.

The NPD director said that with the successful staging of the drill, police and the local government showed that they could effectively perform their respective roles during a crisis situation.

"Our police force cannot do their task alone. Everything is possible with the help and cooperation of the citizenry," Bataoil said.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) will hold today a disaster drill at Camp Aguinaldo to highlight the celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol, NDCC Executive Officer and Office of Civil Defense Administrator retired Maj. Gen. Glenn Rabonza and Makati Councilor Jejomar Binay Jr. would be witnessing the drill.

During a simulation a tanker containing with methyl hydrazine, a hazardous chemical, would be used.

NDCC teams from National Capital Region will be demonstrating skills in handling various disasters.

"We will be demonstrating our capability to respond to this kind of chemical emergency," Rabonza said. — With Jaime Laude