AFP to lead inter-agency simulation exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): AFP to lead inter-agency simulation exercises

Various government law enforcement units will be taking part in an upcoming inter-agency simulated capability exercises in Dumaguete City.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will spearhead the simulation exercises through its Joint Task Force Area Shield and Protect, Lt. Junior Grade Donna Liza Ramacho, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), said here on Monday.

The one-day mostly maritime simulation exercises will be held sometime in July.

The simulated exercises will showcase different scenarios, such as kidnapping, bombing and “lone-wolf attack”, similar to the incident of an active lone shooter at the Resorts World Manila recently, said Lt. JG Ramacho.

The capability exercises will be attended by government officials and participated in by the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement units, she said.

A meeting was held recently to discuss scenarios and perhaps some table-top exercises, the Coast Guard local chief said.

It will also include a scenario similar to the current situation in Marawi City where local terrorists like the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf have taken siege of that Lanao del Sur City, said Ramacho.

The simulated scenario will examine the inter-operability of law enforcement units and other security providers as well as government agencies on how they are prepared to respond to a situation like that of Marawi City, she added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996275