Talisay cops show gun handling skills

CEBU, Philippines - Police personnel in Talisay City yesterday underwent marksmanship training to improve their skills in the handling and use of firearms.

The training, which aims cops to become more efficient in the performance of their functions and duties, was held at Aqua Gun Club Firing Range in Barangay Maghaway.

Superintendent Reycel Carmelo Dayon, the city’s chief of police, said that even policemen need a refresher on the provisions of laws as there is a need for them to continuously improve their skills in the use of guns in line of their duties.

Dayon, who cited the recent incident wherein one of his policemen thought of hitting one of the suspects, hopes that the city government will support the program of the city police.

Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, who graced the event yesterday, vowed to subsidize the procurement of a reloading machine for ammunition needed in the proficiency firing training.

The mayor promised the policemen that gun safety and marksmanship training will be done quarterly.

De los Reyes said one of the factors that contributed to the failing marks earned by some policemen in the proficiency firing was the absence of a regular refresher course.

City Councilor Danilo Caballero, who is the chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order, said there is a tendency for a policeman’s knowledge on handling and usage of a gun to wane and to be forgotten, especially when there is lack of practice.

Back in September, the first shooting competition for women working in the police force and Special Weapons and Tactics was also held 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 adminis-trative 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 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.

Four courses of firing range were set up for the policewomen in testing their skills in handling a gun in 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 pag-respond kung kina-hanglan,” Luyao said.

Over 160 policewomen all over Cebu province participated in that event.  — Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)