BORACAY – The operational readiness and alertness of policemen and emergency responders were tested during a simulation exercise (SIMEX) in Kalibo, Aklan as preparation for the 2020 Ati-Atihan Festival.
The Site Task Group AtiFest conducted an active shooting simulation exercise around 3 p.m. along C. Laserna Street in downtown Kalibo on Jan. 13, according to town deputy chief of police Major Jake Barila.
The simulation included two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects who refused to stop at a pedestrian screening and began shooting bystanders in the area.
After the deadly shooting, security personnel and responders acted to arrest the suspects while victims were brought to a hospital.
After the SIMEX, Barila said they need to improve the response capabilities of law enforcement agencies in similar emergency situations and unfortunate real-life scenarios.
“Maraming problema ang dapat ayusin. Mabagal ang ating response time dahil hindi pa masyadong aware ang ating kapulisan sa gagawing scenario,” he added.
Barila said policemen and emergency rescuers should take their roles more seriously in crisis preparedness and response during the Ati-Atihan Festival.
He added the SIMEX helped them identify the strengths and weaknesses of rescuers and security personnel.
Thousands of policemen were deployed to ensure the safety and security of the devotees, tourists and merrymakers during the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo which started on Jan. 10 and will end on Jan. 19.
The tightened security measures aimed to achieve zero major incidents throughout the festivity.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
