PNP ready vs security threats —DILG

No matter what the threat, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is fully ready to respond.

This was the assurance given to the public by Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno following his visit to the headquarters of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City yesterday.

Puno said the elite unit has been relied on to secure important government offices, the houses of Congress and other vital installations, including embassies.

The DILG chief said this was the reason why he believes the SAF would always be loyal to the chain of command and the Constitution.

"A lot of things are being said about them, but I would like to say na hindi ako naniniwala sa mga rumors na ito. I would like to assure them that they also have the full trust and confidence, not only of the DILG, but of the President," he said.

The PNP-SAF recently made headlines after their former commander Chief Superintendent Marcelino Franco was allegedly involved in a coup plos against President Arroyo, in collaboration with former Army Scout Rangers chief Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and former 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team chief Col. Ariel Querubin.

During Puno’s visit to Camp Bagong Diwa yesterday, men of the elite police unit conducted a skills demonstration on anti-terrorism, employing modern techniques in hostage taking situations and counter-insurgency operations.

"It is very reassuring to see that our police are capable of dealing with threats such as terrorism. We are confident that no matter what the threat, our police are ready to respond," he said.

Puno said the DILG is coming up with a capability building plan that would provide more equipment for the elite unit.

He said the President has released funds for the plan.

Puno was also briefed by Chief Superintendent Silverio Alarcio, SAF chief, on the modern equipment being used by the unit in their operations.