PNP signs deal with US to create regional counter-terrorism training center

August 15, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) and the United States on Thursday have forged an accord to establish a regional counter-terrorism training center in the country.

In a statement, PNP spokesperson, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, said a ceremony was held in Camp Crame where Police General Oscar Albayalde formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission John Law.

Albayalde said the initiative is part of the strengthened partnership of the country with the US, most especially on counter-terrorism.

“We are grateful to the US Government for this project which we will establish a new training center which mainly designed to boost our counter-terrorism capabilities that has been a global menace nowadays,” Albayalde said.

Based on the agreement, the regional counter-terrorism training center will be constructed at the Philippine National Police Academy in Silang, Cavite which will cost P 350 million or $6.7 million of the P 520 million or $10 million planned US investment for the center.

The US Embassy in Manila underscored benefits of the training center that “will provide counter-terrorism training for law enforcement units and personnel from the Philippines and regional partner nations in Southeast Asia.”

Albayalde said five newly-organized police commando battalions of the PNP Special Action Force are being eyed to receive formal counter-terrorism training in the new facility.

“This training facility will certainly provide the PNP with enhanced capability to address threats posed by domestic and transnational terrorism,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS