ILOILO City – A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operative’s narrow escape from death during a recent tense shooting incident in Mandurriao district has prompted the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) to review and possibly upgrade the logistics, equipment and operational capabilities of its tactical units across the region.
Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, director of PRO-6, said the incident in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao highlighted the need to ensure that police personnel assigned to high-risk operations are adequately equipped and supported.
A suspect opened fire on responding officers during negotiations recently, with one bullet striking a SWAT operative’s Kevlar helmet and another hitting a ballistic shield before the suspect was subdued and arrested. The protective equipment prevented what could have been a fatal outcome.
PRO-6 disclosed that it currently has 288 SWAT personnel deployed across Western Visayas and has intensified surprise inspections of police stations to identify operational and logistical deficiencies.
“Noong Sabado nag-conduct tayo ng surprise inspections sa Passi City, Dueñas at Pototan,” Tuaño said during a press conference.
Tuaño said some police stations continue to struggle with inadequate resources, particularly mobility assets needed for rapid response operations.
“Sa Dueñas, ang problema nila motorcycle para mag-patrol. Ang ginagamit nila doon, nakakalungkot man ay ang mga sariling motorcycle nila. Kaya tinitingnan natin at kinakausap natin ang mga logistics officer para sa another deployment ng logistics natin,” he said.
The regional police chief said the review would cover the equipment requirements of SWAT operators and other frontline personnel to ensure that critical needs are prioritized.
He noted that the Philippine National Police headquarters continues to strengthen logistical support nationwide, including the provision of firearms and specialized equipment for personnel engaged in combat and other high-risk law enforcement operations./PN
