Sans budget, CCPO snubs SWAT tilt

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) missed out on the first nationwide Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) competition for reportedly being ill-equipped.

Senior Superintendent Joel Doria, CCPO director, clarified that their failure to participate in the three-day event held in Davao City last March 1 was not because of the lack of support from the Cebu City government, contrary to some claims.

But because his personnel were not just prepared for the competition and for lack of budget, he said.

“We want our personnel prepared physically and mentally, tapos kumpleto ang gamit. However, hindi tayo nakapag-prepare dun. Although tinanong ko din sila if they are willing to join kasi pwede na man natin gawan ng paraan makahanap ng budget, but then sinabi na man din nila na talagang kulang ng budget and hindi sila nakapag-prepare," Doria said.

"It doesn't matter kung may suporta o wala, pero mas maganda kung may suporta, kagaya ng sa Mandaue," he added.

Mandaue City government reportedly pledged to extend P1.6 million in aid to its SWAT team.

Superintendent Artemio Ricabo, spokesperson and Deputy City Director for Administration, said they would rather spend the money for transporting unit to Davao to other operational expenditures.

“Wa tay mahimo, alangan ang personnel nato mo-shoulder tanan. Dili man na ingon nga angayan gyud ipakita atong galing. Gamiton na lang ang expenses going there for other operational expenses," he said.

Police Senior Inspector Jade Damoslog, chief of SWAT, said they have initially sent a letter request to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña but did not follow up on it. "Meron pero di namin na follow-up kasi di naman kami natuloy," he said.

Based on previous reports, the SWAT competition was held in Team Davao firing range Diversion Road Ma-a Davao as part of the effort to continuously capacitate forces to counter security threats.

The event, which was attended by more than 50 SWAT teams, was included in Philippine National Police's Master Training Action Plan for this year. Cebu was represented by SWAT teams from Mandaue City and Cebu Provincial Police Office.

President Rodrigo Duterte and PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa were also present during the event.

Clydyl L. Avila/KBQ