Cebu's female cops engage in 1st firing competition

CEBU, Philippines – The first shooting competition for women working in the police force and Special Weapons and Tactics kicked off on Friday at the CPRA Firing Range in Lapu-Lapu City.

Noel Gillamac, police director of Cebu Provincial Police Office, said the competition was made for the policewomen to enhance their skills in handling firearms and to be always prepared for any crisis they will face in the discharge of their duties.

"Policewomen are mostly assigned for administrative or office work. This will enhance their skills and attitude," Gillamac said.

Putting SWAT groups in each district is a good action, according to Gillamac, as the team can immediately respond to threats in its respective vicinity.

Gillamac added that the Philippine National Police is concerned with regard to gender sensitivity. With the right attitude and training, he said female police officers can be promoted to any position at the PNP.

Provincial Board Member Carmen Durano-Meca, chairperson of the Committee on Ethics and on Dangerous Drug Abuse and Prevention, also graced the event.

Aside from having a hobby of shooting firearms, Durano-Meca said that she showed support to the policewomen since she believes in women empowerment.

"Mas mo-enhance ang role of duty sa mga policewomen for the community and ma-ready sila (sa any possible situations)," she said.

Four courses of firing range were set up for the policewomen in testing their skills in handling a gun at different situations.

Police Officer 2 Marichu Luyao of Alcantara Police Station was one of the policewomen who joined the activity. She said this was her first time to be involved in this activity.

"This is a big challenge for us and we hope nga ma-awaken among alertness sa pagrespond kung kinahanglan," Luyao said.

Over 160 policewomen all over Cebu province participated in the event.

Cebu Provincial Governor Hilario Davide III attended the event and supported the police activity as he donated a bomb suit to the CPPO, together with Gillamac.

The first shots were made by Davide, Gillamac, Durano-Meca and other guests to mark the start of the friendly competition.