PNP unveils US-funded bomb squad, K9 training center

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday unveiled a US-funded training center for bomb-disposal specialists and K9 units that would be used by the organization’s Metro Manila command. A P3.4-million facility, funded by the US Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program, is now fully-operational in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City. PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said the facility would be the base of operations of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Explosive Ordnance and Disposal (EOD) Unit and K-9 Unit. PNP Chief, Director General Jesus A Verzosa said the EOD and K9 Center "gives the police the advantage of scientific and well-coordinated total approach system in responding to threats and incidents of explosion." "The tragic events of 2007, particularly the explosions in a shopping mall in Makati City and at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, dramatized the urgency to upgrade our capability to detect imminent danger from explosions, and effectively manage incidents of this nature," Verzosa said during the inauguration ceremony of the new facility. A total of 17 people were killed while dozens of others were hurt in the two incidents. "It's not that we are really expecting to make full and everyday use of these facilities and capability. But in the event that such tactical response is needed, we are prepared for it, hopefully in the preventive aspect of our defense system against threats," Verzosa said. Fo her part, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney said the NCRPO EOD and K9 Center would be "a valuable and important tool" to help security forces in responding to threats from explosives. The US State Department through its Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATAP) has been providing technical support to the PNP in terms of capacity building training and technical upgrade to improve the capability of PNP units in fighting crime and terrorism. - GMANews.TV