90 Region 12 cops undergo counter insurgency training

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 28): 90 Region 12 cops undergo counter insurgency training

Some 90 police officers of Soccsksargen Region are currently undergoing counter insurgency training, an official of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 said. 

PSInsp. Benjamin Mauricio Jr., spokesperson of the PRO 12 told Philippine Information Agency 12 the training that started in June 19 is aimed at enhancing the police officers’ skills in responding to insurgency and similar incidents.

The present group of trainees, he added, comprised the 33rd batch of the Special Counter Insurgency Operations Unit Training (SCOUT) in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12. 

"SCOUT is a mandatory training to all PNP personnel to be equipped with skills in dealing with armed men and threat groups in our country,” Mauricio said.

In the 45-day course, the police trainees will be equipped with capabilities in first aid, rope courses, immediate action drills, water/seaborne tactics, terrain modeling, close quarter battle, survival, field training exercises. 

Most of the training sessions are being held at the Regional Service Training Unit (RSTU) 12. 

They will also undergo community immersion.

Mauricio added that the course assures physical and mental preparedness of the police officers as required in the counter insurgency operations.

At the course opening last week, Deputy Regional Director for Administration PSSupt Manolito Labador said the SCOUT training course is significant in making every police officer become efficient, responsible and effective public servants.

"It is better to sweat in training than to bleed in battle," he reminded the police officers.

Mauricio said the training course is in accordance with Police Director General Allan Purisima’s reform agenda for the Philippine National Police, particularly in upgrading their competence as police officers and able to defend, protect and serve the country and the communities where they are stationed.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611372380685