Makati cops form water rescue, patrol unit

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City police yesterday launched its special water rescue unit, composed of police officers who could be readily deployed to respond to flooding and water-related accidents.

Acting city police chief Superintendent Jaime Santos said the formation of the unit was initially suggested by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Alan Purisima, who noted that the city has jurisdiction over a long stretch of the Pasig River.

Santos said 30 police officers from various units and stations of the city police were selected to undergo an intensive one-month survival tactical swimming course under Chief Inspector Mario Ignacio, current Police Community Precinct 2 commander and a former member of the Philippine Marines’ Force Recon unit.

The tactical swimming course started Feb. 14 and ended March 16. During the training period, Santos said the trainees swam for an hour every day at the University of Makati pool, then ran 50 laps and performed other exercises.

As a final test of endurance, the trainees were made to swim for 1.5 miles off Ternate, Cavite, with and without swim fins. Of the 30 trainees, only 13 completed the training and graduated.

“This is the first time that such a unit was formed at the police station level. The candidates were trained like Marines,” he added.

Santos added that the graduates – three police officials and 10 non-commissioned officers – will also undergo additional training for swift water rescue and collapsed building rescue.

Santos said another batch of 30 trainees would soon undergo training.

Meanwhile, Santos said the city police would meet officials of the city government next week to discuss plans on the purchase of equipment needed by the newly formed unit.

At the top of the shopping list, Santos said, are two rubber boats with outboard motors that will be used not only during rescue operations but also on routine police patrols on the Pasig River.