Army, police forces, U.S. Air Force conduct joint exercise in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 5): Army, police forces, U.S. Air Force conduct joint exercise in Negros Oriental

Eighteen military men and 15 police personnel in Negros Oriental took part in a civil disturbance management (CDM) exercise with the United States (US) Air Force Pacific Command at the Sibulan Police headquarters.

The subject matter expert exchanges (SMEES) exercise is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-US joint and combined humanitarian civic action or civil military operation dubbed “Pacific Angel 13-1.”

The activity is being conducted from March 4 until March 9 in Negros Oriental, said Army’s Acting Information Officer, Capt. Cresencio Gargar.

The CDM exercise aims to enhance the inter-operability of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and AFP in dealing with mass protest and crowd control.

302nd Brigade Commander and the Exercise Director, Col Francisco Patrimonio however said that “though we are not expecting any mass protests and rallies during humanitarian mission between the AFP and US in the province, we want that our troops are prepared to any eventualities that may arise during conduct of the activity. Besides, this is a good exercise for the PNP and AFP to work jointly in preparation for the forthcoming elections.”

According to Gargar the local PNP and U.S. Air Force Pacific Command both exchanged its expertise in CDM techniques and formations during the discussion with the troops and practical exercises.

After the discussion, the troops equipped with shields, helmet and batons rehearsed the series of CDM formations in front of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) headquarters.

Capt Gargar said the practical exercise was closely supervised by PCI Lomente of the PNP, the Operations Officer of NOPPO with Sgt. Anthony Johnson of the US Air Force who demonstrated several techniques on how to use the telescopic baton - a vital CDM equipment.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1111362389435