Lapses seen in hostage-taking simulation

CEBU, Philippines -   It was an activity supposedly meant to show off their skills, but the hostage-taking simulation conducted by the Naga City police in one of the city’s schools yesterday morning showed off their lapses instead.

Operatives of the Naga City Police Station, in coordination with the Cebu Provincial Police Office and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), conducted the simulation inside the Naga City Central School yesterday to show the city that they won’t succumb to pressure in hostage situations.

But Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, CPPO director, told reporters yesterday that based on what he saw, Naga City’s police personnel still lack coordination especially with the officials who are in charge with negotiation and organization, such as the designated negotiator and the ground commander.

Aside from that, members of the assault team were not wearing protective gear such as ballistic shields and helmets. Comendador also added that designated doctors and psychologist were not seen in the area to assist and debrief the students and teachers.

Comendador also noted that the police officers failed to immediately account all those rescued during the hostage attempt.

Despite what he saw, Comendador still considered the drill a success and pointed out that lapses in exercises also help the police know which areas to improve.

Nenita Canomon, principal of the Naga City Central School, told reporters that she was the one who requested the police to conduct a hostage drill in their school.

Canomon said they were glad that the police showed them what to do during such situations.

Jill Lawrence Navales, a Grade 4 student, who was one those who were held hostage during the simulation, said that he was scared but he would have been more afraid if it was real. (FREEMAN)