US-sponsored counterterrorism training center to rise in Cavite

MANILA, Philippines — A United States-sponsored regional counterterrorism training center worth P350 million will rise in Cavite.

The US government and the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday inked an agreement for the construction of a state-of-the-art training center at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite.

The project is part of the P520-million planned US investment to establish a joint operation training center in the country.

Representing the government during the  signing was PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde while the US side was represented by US embassy Deputy Chief of Mission John Law.

In a statement, Albayalde said the project is part of the thorough and strengthened partnership between the two nations to combat terrorism.

“We are grateful to the US government for this project which will establish a new training center mainly designed to boost our counterterrorism capabilities,” he said.

Five newly organized Special Action Force (SAF) battalions are being eyed to receive formal counterterrorism training in the new facility.

“This training facility will certainly provide the PNP with enhanced capability to address threats posed by domestic and transnational terrorism.” Albayalde said.