MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday commended the Eastern Police District (EPD) for holding a simulation exercise (SIMEX) at the vicinity of Pasig City Sports Center, as it underscored the importance of raising law enforcement capability to better respond to violent attacks.
NCRPO head, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said he has a directive to all five police districts in the metropolis to stage SIMEX, including bomb explosion and active shooting scenarios, aimed at testing the preparedness of the police and to ensure public safety.
The NCRPO covers the EPD, Manila Police District, Northern Police District, Southern Police District, and Quezon City Police District.
Eleazar said the value of time in responding to an incident is precious, noting that responders must always remember the proper procedure and protocols set to prevent more casualties.
“By doing these exercises, we review what to do because in the real scenario, it's really difficult if we are not prepared. We have a contingency plan in case of these events but more importantly, the simulation exercise is a test of whether we are able to observe protocols and we are able to determine lapses or areas of improvement,” Eleazar told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
“The SIMEX is not only for police units but for the response teams from different agencies and concerned local government unit. We will build confidence [in responding to emergencies,” he said.
To ensure synergy and integration of all actions, the EPD and its subordinates conducted SIMEX within the vicinity of Pasig City Sports Center last July 31.
EPD Acting Deputy Director for Administration, Col. Erson Digal said the bombing scenario starts with an explosion that killed some bystanders while others were injured.
After receiving report/alarm about the incident, dragnet operations on the four city police stations of EPD were activated for apprehension of fleeing suicide bombers/suspects.
He said the personnel of PaMaMariSan (the cities of Pasig, Mandaluyong Marikina and San Juan) immediately establish and set-up check-points to close the probable escape route, intercept, and arrest the terrorist.
“This is only one example of how Eastern Police District has its community-level efforts to counter terrorism that may pose threat to the peace and order situation of Metro-East. And I believe the people behind this are the key partners and can play a crucial role to save people’s lives. Rest assured that EPD will further secure the vital installations and public facilities that could be a target of these hostilities,” Digal said.
Meanwhile, the members of the San Juan City police also conducted their own SIMEX at the Sanctuario Del Santo Cristo Church on Thursday to enhance police response against possible terrorist threats.
City police chief Col. Arile Fulo led the SIMEX suicide bombing drill which is a part of continuing drill on the preparedness of the concerned agencies against possible attack of any terrorist group.
The simulation involved a “terrorist” detonating the bomb he was holding inside the church during a mass.
Procedures in handling bombs from the cases of detection and explosion up to the arrival of responders, rescue/ evacuations of the affected individuals were tackled during the activity. (PNA)
