PNP News Releases 2006

CALDERON DEPLOYS POLICE COMMANDOS AGAINST NPA

PNP Chief, Director General Oscar C Calderon has approved a standard procedure for internal security operations that will be observed by PNP units in counter-insurgency.

Calderon was at the Special Action Force headquarters today where he personally led the send-off ceremonies of five SAF Companies that will train PNP maneuver units and conduct counter-insurgency operations in some regions of the country.

According to SAF Director, CSupt Felizardo Serapio Jr.,these SAF units will compose the Forward Operational Base Companies and Mobile Training Teams that will train the Regional and Provincial Mobile Goups.

Calderon said the responsibility of SAF troops in the government's counter-insurgency campaign is further highlighted by a more active role in internal security operations under Executive Order No. 546.

In his message to the SAF troops, the Chief PNP said this mission will be crucial in insuring internal security as the full might of government prepares for its final push against the 37-year old communist insurgency.

"We will run the NPA to the ground and free the people in the countryside from the terrorism and extortion activities of the communist insurgents," Calderon said.

For his part, Serapio said the SAF training teams will re-orient the local PNP units on the new doctrine on tactical operations for internal security.

This will insure better inter-operability of police counter-insurgency units with the operating units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

At the onset, Serapio said, the SAF Companies and Training Teams will lead the local PNP units in conducting operations against the NPA.

Aside from providing tactical support, the SAF will also assist local PNP units in prosecuting criminal actions committed by the NPA in the countryside.