MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) should train more Special Action Force (SAF) commandos for counterterrorism, President Duterte has said.
In his speech after the oathtaking of newly promoted police officials at Malacañang on Thursday, Duterte ordered PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde to create more units of SAF commandos for immediate deployment to areas prone to terror attacks.
“We are facing so many fronts... I need more soldiers, I would need about... an additional seven to 10 SAF troopers,” the President said.
The President did not clarify if he meant 10 SAF battalions.
“Palaki nang palaki ang problema. We thought all the while it would somehow wane...medyo hihina na. Apparently, with a lot of IS (Islamic State) leaders in Southeast Asia, we will have terrorism,” he said.
The PNP deployed 300 SAF commandos on Negros island amid a wave of killings.
In an earlier speech, the President said Bureau of Fire Protection personnel should help the police maintain peace and order and fight the enemies of the state.