Elite policemen will be training personnel of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to ensure security and appropriate response in cases of threats and peace and order-related concerns in various ports across the country.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the 30-day training program under the Seaport Special Response Course (SSRC), is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of their Port Police officers in maintaining safety, order, and peace in all the agency-managed ports nationwide.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) will be training the 24 port police that will serve as the first batch of trainees.
The opening ceremony was attended by Santiago and PNP-SAF director Maj. General Mark Pespes.
The course, according to Santiago, focuses on equipping them with critical skills to prevent, respond to, and manage disasters, untoward incidents, and security threats at seaports.
“It is important to hone our port police’s abilities for high-risk operations, and this latest program builds on previous initiatives to strengthen port security,” said Santiago.
He is referring to last year’s Port Police’s Basic Port Police Training Course at the PPA Training Center in La Union, which included modules on port operations, criminal law, firearms safety, water search and rescue, and endurance drills.
“With around 300 active Port Police officers currently deployed across major ports, the growing demand for personnel amid port expansions highlights the need for advanced and specialized training,” said Santiago.
“This current training program being handled by SAF reflects a strategic partnership between the PNP and the PPA in ensuring that the country’s ports remain safe, secure, and resilient in the face of evolving threats,” he added.