PRO-7 is 40% behind in equipment

CEBU, Philippines - A ranking police official admitted that they are catching up in terms of equipment to fare well in the ongoing Annual General Inspections conducted by the officials from Camp Crame.

The Police Regional Office-7 is only 40-percent capable in terms of equipment which might hamper its entire operational capability.

PRO-7 director Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr. however said they will fill in the gap with competence and skills of its personnel.

“With our competence and skills we pursue our functions but it’s better if

we are fully equipped,” Garbo said.

Since he assumed office in September 2011, Garbo said he wanted to improve the behavior, character, and attitude of policemen in responding to incidents.

“Kahit anong galing ng equipment namin kung ang attitude ng pulis ay tamad-tamad wala pa rin,” he said.

Garbo aims to have his 8,500 personnel in the region to undergo police intelligence seminar, police community relations, and police operation enhancement training.

Garbo said while policemen should have a formal schooling but due to budgetary constraints they have enhancement courses instead.

As the Annual General Inspection – Operational Readiness Security Inspection Test and Evaluation (AGI-ORSITE) kicked off yesterday, Garbo is hopeful that PRO-7 could compete as the best regional office in the country.

The AGI-ORSITE is a yearly nationwide activity conducted in all police offices and units to evaluate the overall capability and effectiveness of PNP personnel in various scenarios like Civil Disturbance Management, Immediate Action Drill and hostage negotiation.

It also includes other police intervention activities like checkpoint, arresting techniques, search and rescue operation, search warrant procedures, and document inspections.

Garbo said PRO-7 contributed a lot in the PNP programs because of its best practices, seminars and by adopting priority programs like the Police Integrated Patrol System. (FREEMAN)