Liloan town forms own SWAT Team

CEBU, Philippines - The Municipality of Liloan has formed its own Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team fully funded by the local government.

The Liloan SWAT team underwent three months of intensive training by the Philippine National Police (PNP), specifically on dealing with high risk situations and threats and handling of specialized firearms, among others.

Led by Police Officer 3 Gerry Antopina and under the direct supervision and control of acting Liloan Police Station chief, Superintendent Melbert Glade Esguerra, the SWAT Team paid a courtesy call Monday to Mayor Christina Frasco and the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members.

Frasco said that the formation of the SWAT Team is pursuant to the peace and order agenda of the local government, which is a top priority under her administration, and is in response to the growing needs of the town of over 130,000 people.

Liloan is a multi-awarded local government unit on the peace and order front.

It was awarded the number one LGU in the Province of Cebu in the latter’s Sugbo Kontra Droga Program in 2014 and 2015 under the administration of then mayor and now Cebu Port Authority (CPA) Commissioner Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco

The town was number one again in 2016 under Christina’s first term.

"Today, Liloan takes a historic and monumental step towards ensuring continued peace and development as we launch our very own Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. Highly skilled and strategically trained, our SWAT Team further strengthens our peace and order efforts against criminality and illegal drugs, towards a stable and secure community for all Liloanons," Mayor Frasco said.

Mayor Frasco expressed gratitude to Police Regional Office-7 former director General Noli Taliño and current director Jose Mario Espino for their invaluable guidance and assistance in the training of the Liloan SWAT Team.

"We fully support the thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration that views peace and order as an essential component in nation-building. In Liloan, we will make sure that our law enforcement continues to have the full support of the local government, and that police personnel, including our SWAT Team are highly trained and fully equipped, and are our potent partners in ensuring a vibrant and safe economic climate in Liloan," Frasco added.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Inspection Team led by Inspector III Vilma Pedralba together with Atty. Lecel Llamedo, provincial consultant to the northern part of Cebu police stations, conducted the annual inspection on Liloan PNP personnel last Tuesday.

The inspection was in line with the “Tamang Bihis” policy among police officers. (FREEMAN)