Members of the San Fernando Rescue Unit (SAFRU) and other emergency service personnel of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office participated in the first Counter Terrorism Simulation Exercise held over the weekend at Bulaon Resettlement.
Organized by the Police Regional Office 3, the activity seeks to prepare the police officers and emergency service personnel for terrorism attacks considering the ongoing clashes in Mindanao.
“This exercise will help our uniformed personnel and responders to analyze if their current methods and strategies in responding to terrorism threats and warnings are effective,” said Regional Intel Division Officer-In-Charge P/Supt. Jean Fajardo.
“Napakahalaga na magsagawa tayo ng ganitong aktibidad, kasi sa pamamagitan nito, nalalaman natin kung gaano na tayo kahanda laban sa mga terorista. Isa din itong paraan, para malaman naming kung ano pa ang pagkukulang sa mga trainings, ng sa ganon ay mapalakas pa naming ito,” Fajardo said.
In an effort to make the simulation realistic, the members of the SWAT conducted a hostage taking scenario and demonstrated the right operation in responding. During the simulation exercise, the San Fernando Rescuers demonstrated the standard operating procedures and operations protocol by giving first aid to the wounded victims.
In an interview, Mayor Edwin “Edsa” Santiago lauded the efforts of the PRO3 and SWAT for conducting this exercise thatwill enhance the city’s capabilitytocombat terrorism. He said “rest assured that we will workall together to secure the citizens and maintain the strength of the enforcement.”
“Alam natin lahat kung gaano kapanganib na mapasukan tayo ng mga terorista, kaya naman napakahalaga na tayong lahat, lalong-lalo na ang ating mga SWAT, rescuers at kapulisan ay handang-handa sakaling mangyari man ito sa syudad,” he added.