PNP-12 trains 200 police officers on combat prepareness

By Catherine T. Apelacio

Thursday 24th of May 2012

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- Two hundred police non-commissioned officers (PNCO) underwent a Special Counter-Insurgency Operation Unit Training (SCOUT) course to enhance their tactical skills to combat potential threats in their respective areas of responsibility (AOR).

The 45-day training, which was conducted by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 on May 9 at PRO 12 Headquarters here, will end by mid-week of June.

PInsp. Benjamin Mauricio Jr., public information officer of PRO-12 said, “the training aims to enhance the combat readiness and capability of Philippine National Police (PNP) in counter-insurgency.”

He said police’s readiness in combat can only be honed through effective training techniques like taking the SCOUT course as modified.

SCOUT as modified course deals with field training exercise focusing more on counter strategies and operations that include Close Quarter Battle (CQB) and Immediate Action Drills (IAD).

Mauricio said the course was necessary for police personnel to immediately respond and act appropriately amid pressure.

PCSupt. Benjardi Mantele who had just retired as PRO-12 regional director last May 17, served as guest of honor and speaker to inspire the 200 officers participating in the course.

Mantele, who had been PRO-12 chief for over a year since April 2011, urged police officers attending the training course to preserve their learning not just in mind but most of all in the heart because the experiences and learning gained from the course can be applied by the PNCOs in carrying out their tasks and duties in their AOR.

PCInsp. Benedicto Faco and PSInsp. Julious Malcontento served as training manager and course director, respectively.

These exercises will give better understanding and appreciation of unit capabilities at all levels, Mauricio added. (DEDoguiles/CTApelacio - PIA General Santos City)