PRO-7’s SWAT named most improved team

CEBU, Philippines — Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas was hailed as the country’s most improved team.

The team, composed of 14 members, saw a big jump in the second National SWAT Challenge (NSC) held in Davao City last week, moving to ninth from 49th place last year.

“At least we have become a team to be reckoned with. Naa napildi specialized teams, out of the region, kami number 3 nga nisud sa top 10,” said Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas, PRO-7 director.

He attributed the latest ranking to their rigorous trainings and “substantial” support from the Regional Advisory Council, which is composed of businessmen who provided the team with ammunitions.

Fifty SWAT teams joined the nationwide competition.

Sinas said the competition was a good avenue to compare competency of men nationwide and to cultivate confidence among them.

The NSC aims at determining the response capability of the elite units in addressing general threats that require tactical police intervention, as well as to test the stamina, speed, strength, skill and spirit of the SWAT members. Also, it aims to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and the tactical proficiency of the SWAT units.

The competition has 12-stage challenge, including pistol/rifle marksmanship, close quarter battle, sniping challenge and physical agility, and obstacle course, among others.

The competition started on November 6 and concluded on November 10.

Sinas said the 14 members are officially relieved from their mother units to continue their training at PRO-7.

They will also be considered as “above” the SWAT team of all city and provincial headquarters, he added.

Aside from continuing their proficiencies, the PRO-7 SWAT team will also be in charge of competency trainings, such as of gun handling, of lower units.

Sinas said they will spearhead lectures starting this month.

Sinas said the PRO-7 SWAT will be deployed for major events, and also as last response team for emergency situations.

“Dili na sila tanggalon, diri na sila sa PRO-7 para mapadayon sa ilang mga training aron di pud ni masayang. Para sa sunod nga competition sila na pud ipadala,” he said. (FREEMAN)