Baguio’s all-female SWAT team finishes course

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - After almost two months of rigid classroom and field training, personnel of the all-female Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) finally graduated on Thursday. The BCPO welcomed its 17 SWAT policewomen - composed of one police-commissioned officer and 16 police non-commissioned officers - who officially finished their 45-day rigid training specializing in firearm and combat skills conducted at the West Point outdoor firing range along the Palispis-Aspiras (former Marcos) Highway in Badiwan, Tuba, Benguet, and at the former Diplomat Hotel grounds on Dominican Hill, Baguio City. The SWAT course was formally opened last July 7 at the Baguio City Hall grounds, graced by Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. and witnessed by other City Government officials and personnel. According to Senior Superintendent Florante Camuyot, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the BCPO, their Human Resource and Development Section initiated the activity for the purpose of continuously training their uniformed female personnel to further enhance efficiency and effectiveness. "In combat, we need to use our wits, our common sense and our skill. Training is the best way to perfect all these," he said. During the graduation ceremony, Camuyot pointed out that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is a workaholic agency and does not cease in enriching its capabilities. "It is important for us to gain the ability and confidence of being able to do what is expected of us because we are entrusted with the duty and responsibility to make the community a safe place to stay and make the police confident in dealing with the problems of the community," he stressed. During the program held in the BCPO multi-purpose hall, which started at around 10 a.m. on Thursday, Bautista also acknowledged the efforts of the BCPO and extended his full support in their worthwhile endeavors. "Our new all-female Swat unit will now work elbow-to-elbow with our men on the field...tougher, stronger and better," he added. - Sun.Star Baguio