Residents celebrate "piyestang danum"

CANDABA - The residents in Barangay San Agustin here yesterday celebrated "piyestang danum" despite  agricultural damages  sustained by other Candabenios in some areas in town.

The event was highlighted by the local version of 'basaan' held during street parade participated in by various groups in the community.

Another cathing activity is a boat race open to all residents mostly fishermen who had been joining the event since time immemorial.

"Masaya po kami hindi dahil sa baha kundi sa biyayang hatid sa amin ng ganitong pagkakataon," Anna Delos Santos, a resident here stated.

It was learned that most of the residents are engaged in farming activities during dry season and fishing during rainy season to support their respective families.

The residents claimed that the festivity merely shows their sense adaptability to the changing environment.

"Ang nais lamang naming ipakita ay kaya naming mabuhay kahit sa anumang panahon. Kaya hindi kami pweding hadlangan ng anumang kalamidad para tuparin ang aming mga pangarap sa aming mga anak," Delos Santos stated.

"Piyestang danum" was spearheaded by the barangays officials headed by Barangay Captain Marino Macapagal.

"We are ready anytime" - DSWD exec

City of San Fernando – An executive from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) yesterday bared they are ready to serve the Kapampangan at anytime should another calamity will hit the province of Pampanga anew as there is enough fund available.

DSWD Regional Director Adelina Apostol in an interview said that the Kapampangans had nothing to worry and assured them that they are top of the situation as they had been closely working with various local government units through their respective municipal social welfare officers.

"Kahit pa panibagong bagyo ang tumama sa Pampanga ay mayroon tayong sapat na pagkukunan ng mga relief goods para ibigay sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan. Mayroon pa tayong isang milyong piso available at any given time para rito," Apostol told Sun Star Pampanga.

She explained that the department's main thrust during calamity is to provide immidiate assistance to the residents who were affected by typhoons specially those families whose houses were totally wash out.

Apostol also noted that repacking of relief goods is still on going to meet the needs of the flood affected municipalities who are still requesting for the same despite previous deliveries and distributions.

It was learned that with the joint effort of the DSWD, provincial government, local government units, non government organizations some more than P16-million worth of relief goods was distributed to the victims of southwest monsoon (Habagat) and typhoon Maring in the province for the past ten days.

Meanwhile, based on the report of the  Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) as of August 26 at least  17,879 packs of goods were given to families on evacuation centers from inundated barangays especially in the fourth and second districts.

Repacking of goods at the provincial action center is also still ongoing as well as the distribution to the other affected families.

Folks laud DSWD for relief goods

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The flood affected residents in the coastal municipalities in  4^th district of the province yesterday lauded  the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office III for providing relief goods in times when the people needs it most.

This department is under the leadership of Director Adelina Apostol

 

DSWD regional office has been continuously providing relief goods to the victims of the Southwest Monsoon as enhanced by recent Typhoon Maring not only in Pampanga but also in Bataan, and Bulacan – the hardest hit provinces in Central Luzon.

 

“Nagpapasalamat pu kami sa DSWD dahil sa mabilis na pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng mga taong naapektuhan ng pagbaha dito sa aming bayan. Natutuwa po kami dahil pagkatapos ng malakas na ulan ay mabilis na dumating ang relief goods sa lugar naming,” Jun Santos, a resident of Barangay San Pedro, San Simon town said.

 

The lady director together with Governor Lilia Pineda distributed relief goods to the residents in Sto. Tomas town benefiting some 2,000 families who were affected by floodwater.

 

It was learned that DSWD regional office spent some P16-million for the purchase of relief goods to provide the immediate food requirements of the people particularly those were currently staying in various evacuation centers.

With the help of the concerned local government units, they were able to serve at least 419,000 families in Pampanga.

 

“Dito po sa bayan ng Candaba isa po si Director Adelina Apostal sa mga unang tumugon at nagpadala agad ng relief. Kaya malaki po ang utang na loob naming sa kanya at departamentong kanyang pinangungunahan,” Cecile Dela Cruz a resident from Barangay Paralaya in Candaba stated.

Other flooded municipalities in the province also received assistance from the social works department.

Floodwater "in and out" despite fine weather

CANDABA - The  floodwater "is in and out" in the low lying communities in the coastal municipalities along Pampanga River despite a fine weather for few days.

This holds true as dams in neighboring provinces and other allied water reservoir connected to Pampanga River are continuously discharging a certain amount of volume of water.

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) recently  issued a bulletin   saying that Rico Chico River in Nueva Ecija overflowed and the same resulted  to 3-feet to 4-feet floodwater in the majority barangays of Cabanatuan City.

Thus, Nueva Ecija being in the upstream of Pampanga River, the OCD claimed that municipalities along the river could expect rise in water level within 24 hours.

Among the towns in the 4th district  that could be possibly affected with the immidiate  rise of water level in Pampanga River were Candaba, San Luis, San Simon, Apalit, Macabebe, Minalin and Masantol. 

"Ang kaibahan ngayon lubog ang lahat ng bayan malapit sa ilog kaya yung tubig baha ay mabagal ang pag atras wala ng pupuntahan. Kaya pagdating ng tubig mula sa itaas ay agad tumataas ang tubig baha sa atin," a resident from Candaba town stated.

It was learned that a dam in Bustos Bulacan is also releasing water directly affecting Baliuag which later on drains to some of the barangays

in Candaba towns particularly those in the tagalog region. 

Pantabangan Dam is not releasing water in the meantime

Town distributes relief goods to flood affected residents

CANDABA - The municipal government here had recently started distributing relief goods to flood affected residents.

Mayor Rene Maglanque said that relief goods were purchased by the local government unit using  part of the remaining calamity funds to provide the immediate food requirement of the people who were displaced due to back to back Typhoons Labuyo and Maring including Southwest Monsoon.

"Ang munisipyo ay namigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng relief na ipinamamahagi natin sa bawat barangay. Priority natin yun talagang mga naapektuhan ng pagbaha" he added.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Mel Manimbo in his report disclosed that more than 5,038 families were affected consisting of at least 27,406 individuals including children.

This came as more than 75 percent of the barangays here were submerged to floodwater as a result of the overflowing of Pampanga River and  Maasim Dike breaches in several portions particularly in the barangays of Vizal Sto. Nino, Vizal Sto. Cristo, Vizal San Pablo and Pulung Gubat.

Meanwhile, as of press time, the floodwater is now gradually receding.

Maglanque earlier entered into an agreement with the barangay captains saying that the provision of  relief goods to the people is a joint undertaking by the municipal government and concerned barangay.

The mayor agreed that the municipality will be providing at least 40 percent of the relief goods needed by affected residents while the remaining will be shouldered by the affected barangay using also their calamity funds.

Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay likewise provided at least 1,000 packs of assorted goods same with the Kapuso Foundation with some  1,160 plastics of relief goods distributed in Barangay Pasig.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development through Regional Director Adelina Apostal also provided relief goods to the people of Candaba.

Death toll in Pampanga rises to six

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – As of 11:30 a.m. yesterday, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that death toll in the province as a result of the recent calamity had climbed to six.

The casualties were identified as  Renato R. Lacsamana, 64, Barangay Sta. Cruz (Lubao), Roman Sanchez, 29, Sta. Maria (Lubao), Justin Yumul, 1-year and 3-month, Paguiba (Masantol), Ed Paulo Maca Dela Cruz, 12, Barangay Apalit (Floridablanca), Orlnado Paule, 63, Sta. Monica (Lubao) and Michael Silverio of Floridablanca.

Four of the victims died due to drowning while to others were electrocuted.

PDRRMC report disclosed among the 505 barangays in Pampanga, 132 of which are still submerged to floodwater despite the fine weather over the weekends.

Tropical Storm Maring and Soutwest Monsoon had cause unprecedented flooding in various municipalities and two cities affecting at least 117,951 families consisting of 536,422 individuals.

The concerned local government units and the province of Pampanga established not less than 117 evacuation centers and had provided the immediate needs of 4,283 families who temporarily sought refuge in the height of heavy downpour.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist bared that more than 7,910 hectares of palay involving 5,308 farmers were flooded.

This also includes 6,620.53 hectares of fishponds, 121.5  and 24.5 planted with corn and cassava respectively.

Police intensifies campaign against illegal drugs

MACABEBE - The local police here has recently intensified its campaign against illegal drugs.

This initiative is aimed at making the town peaceful and an attractive place for business activities.

According Chief Inspector John Clark, chief of police,  the campaign resulted to the arrest of certain Lawrence Soriano, 32, single, a resident of Barangay Sta. Lucia, Masantol town.

Soriano was arrested in a buy bust operation spearheaded by the local police in Barangay Sta. Rita here. 

Confiscated from the suspect are eight transparent heat sealed plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance, believed to be shabu.

Likewise, recovered from Soriano's control and possession is Cal. 38 revolver, without serial number and brand name with at least five  live ammunition.

The suspect is now facing two separate cases of violation of the Section 5, Art II of Republic Act No.  9165 known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 and Presidential Decree No. 1866 for Illegal Possession  of Firearms As amended by R.A. 8294.

Weather condition gives birth alternative food source

CANDABA – The local folks here yesterday bared that extreme situation during rainy season had gave birth to an alternative exotic food source  including farm rat (dagis pinak).

 “Manyaman la pu ring dagis tamu king pinak. Pag megsimula na ing uran lulwal nala reng dagis a makatuknang king marangle at akit mula king mangatas a lugar,” Armando Silvestre a resident here said.

He added farm rats are clean as they only eat palay and other grass in the rice fields.

“Karaniwang luto keni adobo palangyan mula king pagkalangan tapos i-prito la. Ing lasa da balamu mengan ka naman manok o kaya ayup,” Silvestre stated.

They here narrated that ordinary folks mostly are farmers and fishermen are turning  into farm rats hunters using huge bamboo sticks and dogs lo locate the same in the higher grounds.

“Akit mula reng tau, maranun lang mamako kareng bale ta makasake lang bangka deng aliwa atin la pang katuking aso gagamitan dalang pandakap dagis, also resident  here stressed.

 

 

Volcanic sediments in floodwater threatens fishing industry

MINALIN – The rampaging floodwater carrying volcanic materials coming from the Gugu River is now threatening the fishing industry in this town.

This was confirmed by Mayor Edgar Flores yesterday in an interview saying they are still in critical condition taking into consideration the volume of water flowing toward Minalin.

“Definitely apektado ang fishing industry natin dahil bukod sa lahar may silt din yung tubig na pumapasok sa atin,” he said.

 The mayor explained that the rampaging floodwater is coming from Gugu River – a known catchment   of volcanic materials accumulated when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991.

 

Fishing is one of the main industries in the locality.

“We are the number one tilapia producer in Pampanga,” Flores explained.

Flores noted that the section of the tail dike near Minalin Poultry and Livestock Cooperative was breached with remarkable length consisting of 50 meters.

This   serves as the entry of the floodwater containing sediments going to several hectares of the fishponds.

Mayor calls for force evac of residents

CANDABA – The local chief executive of this town yesterday issued an order directing barangay officials and local police here to implement force evacuation of residents living near Pampanga River.

Mayor Rene Maglanque said that the water level of the river is now on its critical condition and currently affecting low lying communities.

He added the initiative is aimed at ensuring the safety of the residents rather than waiting all alone for another disaster to happen which may happen anytime  as the water in Pampanga River reaches the spilling level in some portions.

 

“Nag utos na tayo ng force evacuation sa mga barangay malapit sa ilog para makaiwas tayo sa mas malaking problema. Andyan ang pulis na kakatulungin natin ditto,” Maglanque stated.

 

On the other hand, the affected families in town as of press time yesterday are already 4,141 consisting of at least 21,474 individuals.

 

Among flood affected barangays are Bambang, Buas, Gulap, Lanang, Pansinao, Pasig, Paralaya, Pescadores, Mandasig, Sto. Rosario, Dulong Ilog and Bahay Pare.

 

In Barangay San Agustin, it was learned that more than 90 percent of the total population are now submerged to flood water.

 

“Malaki na po ang tubig baha dito sa aming barangay, marami na po sa aming kabarangay ang apektado,”   Barangay Captain Marino Macapagal stressed.

 

Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist bared that some 412.94 hectares with standing   crops were likewise flooded.  

 

Mayor lambasts public works execs

MINALIN - This town's local chief executive yesterday lambasted the executives  of the  Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the regional office  for the  poor implementation of   flood control projects in the locality.

"We would like to express our out cry  involving the present condition of our dike here," Mayor Edgar Flores told Sun Star Pampanga in an interview.

The mayor explained that he has been consistently coordinating with the public works since he assumed office last June to verify whether the dike can contain the expected volume of water this rainy season.

"Masama ang aming lagay dito sa Minalin. May problema ang Sta. Rita Tail Dike, delikado ang aming mga kababayan," he added. 

Flores maintained that as of this time, the main concern is the safety of all the people in town whom according to him are now at the mercy of nature.

However, he said that the municipal government would be taking the issue to higher level so that the problem would be addressed and the same incident would occur in the future.

It  can be recalled that strong current of water had weakened the foundation of Sta. Rita Tail Dike which resulted to damages in several portions.

 

Reports have it that in one   section  alone of the dike, the  length of damage  is now about 40 meters.

 

Earlier, Flores ordered the evacuation of the residents in affected barangays  to make sure that they would free from any harm as the situation gets even worse.

 

He is also currently  leading a group of volunteers in the sandbagging activities to reinforce and prevent further damage in  the dike.

Asked about his assessment on the performance of the DPWH regional office, "lousy ang trabaho nila," he ended.

Typhoon Maring claims 3 lives

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Massive flooding brought about by Tropical storm “Maring” had recently claimed the lives of three Kapampangans.

Based on the report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council  (PDRRMC), a  certain  Renato   Laxamana, 64, a resident of  Lapu-lapu, Sta. Cruz, Lubao town and Justin Viray Yumul, 1,  Sta. Lucia, Paguiaba in   Masantol were drowned.

Another casualty was identified as Roman Sanchez, 29,  also a resident of Barangay Sta. Maria, Lubao Lubao who died due to electrocution.

The flood affected towns  include   Macabebe, Masantol, Candaba, San Luis, San Simon, Apalit, Floridablanca, Porac, Minalin, Sto. Tomas. Guagua, Sta. Rita, Bacolor, San Fernando, Mexico, and Sta, Ana.

Major roads of these towns according to PDRRMC are not passable to light vehicles.

As this developed, hundreds of families were evacuated by local executives in various municipalities in  higher grounds to ensure their safety.

Some  70,474 families or 302,212 individuals in the province were affected with most of them displaced due to unprecedented flooding.

Most of these families live in the low lying areas specifically those living along the coastal municipalities adjacent to Pampanga River.

'Parapet' wall save thousands

MINALIN - The 'Parapet' wall as known to the local folks here had save thousands of residents from the threat of massive flooding  although the Sta. Rita Tail Dike where it is constructed sustained damages on several portions. 

'Parapet' wall  is a concrete wall on top of Sta. Rita Dike designed to prevent the spilling over of the floodwater on the other side.

The same has effectively prevented greater volume of water, however,   in some cases during heavy downpour , it was over tapped by floodwater. 

"Magmula po ng nag overflow ang ilang parte ng Sta. Rita Tail Dike, magmula kaninang alas singko ay bumaba ng mga three inches ang tubig at sa ngayon ay hindi na ito umaapaw sa parapet wall ng dike," Mayor Edgar Flores posted on his official facebook account. 

The portion of the Sta. Rita Tail Dike going to Mesalipit was severely damaged.

Mayor Edgar Flores as early as five in the morning mobilizes a group to spearhead the sand bagging activity to prevent further damage of the dike.
However, it was subsequently halted due strong current of water. As of 12 noon, the sand bagging operations resume to avoid the recurrence of over flowing.

"Magsisimula po uli ang sandbagging operation sa taildike ng Sta. Rita. Mayroon pa pong 10 meters na nag ooverflow sa kasalukuyan," the mayor's facebook account stated.

Meanwhile, Mayor Flores ordered the evacuation of the affected residents in Barangay Sta. Rita and other adjacent communities to prevent the happening of any untoward incident.

'Parapet' wall save thousands

MINALIN - The 'Parapet' wall as known to the local folks here had save thousands of residents from the threat of massive flooding  although the Sta. Rita Tail Dike where it is constructed sustained damages on several portions. 

'Parapet' wall  is a concrete wall on top of Sta. Rita Dike designed to prevent the spilling over of the floodwater on the other side.

The same has effectively prevented greater volume of water, however,   in some cases during heavy downpour , it was over tapped by floodwater. 

"Magmula po ng nag overflow ang ilang parte ng Sta. Rita Tail Dike, magmula kaninang alas singko ay bumaba ng mga three inches ang tubig at sa ngayon ay hindi na ito umaapaw sa parapet wall ng dike," Mayor Edgar Flores posted on his official facebook account. 

The portion of the Sta. Rita Tail Dike going to Mesalipit was severely damaged.

Mayor Edgar Flores as early as five in the morning mobilizes a group to spearhead the sand bagging activity to prevent further damage of the dike.
However, it was subsequently halted due strong current of water. As of 12 noon, the sand bagging operations resume to avoid the recurrence of over flowing.

"Magsisimula po uli ang sandbagging operation sa taildike ng Sta. Rita. Mayroon pa pong 10 meters na nag ooverflow sa kasalukuyan," the mayor's facebook account stated.

Meanwhile, Mayor Flores ordered the evacuation of the affected residents in Barangay Sta. Rita and other adjacent communities to prevent the happening of any untoward incident.

Town conducts round-the-clock monitoring

CANDABA - The municipal government here  since the advent of Typhoon Labuyo had been conducting a round-the-clock monitoring in all  major river channels and tributaries in town.

Mayor Rene Maglanque  said this effort is aimed at ensuring the safety of all the Candabenios particularly those living near Pampangan River, Maasim and Malisik Dikes.

"Gusto nating baguhin ang paniniwala ng iba na basta Candaba, gusto ng tao ang baha. Kami po na mga taga Candaba ay handa sa baha," he stated.

The mayor even before the onset of  the rainy season  instructed the municipal risk reduction and management council in cooperation with the municipal social welfare and development office to make sure that the municipal government is on top of the situation.

"Naka stand by na yung dalawang dump trucks natin pati yung sasakyang pantubig. Mayroong na rin tayong designated evacuation centers, ambulansiya pati relief goods na ipapamigay natin sa ating mga kabalen sakalang lumala ang problema natin sa baha," Maglanque added. 

It can be recalled that a day after the portion of the Maasim Dike was damaged, the municipal government immediately provided financial assistance to some eight families in Barangay Vizal Sto. Nino who were displaced due to strong current of water.

Maglanque also instructed the municipal engineers to make an assessment on the extent of damages for appropriate engineering intervention.

"Ang gusto natin dito ay permanenteng solusyon. Titignan natin kung ano ang magandang gawin para hindi na maulit ang ganitong pangyayari," he ended.

Six families in Macabebe evacuated

MACABEBE - Some six families in Barangay Castuli here were temporarily evacuated in an elementary school as a result of the heavy downpour the whole night yesterday.

The evacuated residents include six adults and and 23 children who were exposed to danger as a result of the unusual volume of water flowing into the river.

As per reports by the municipal disaster risk reduction and management council, all 25 barangays here were also submerged to minimal flood water prompting the local elected to express worry on the welfare of the residents.

The Saplad David road as of press time is no longer passable to all types of vehicles leaving the portion of the Arnedo Dike as an alternate route.

Other private motorists may also another alternate route going to Apalit and Manila at Barangay Tacasan.

Meanwhile, the national road located in Barangay San Gabriel is still passable to all types of vehicles.

In Masantol town, residents were likewise exposed to danger with the over flowing of a secondary dike near Sapang Kawayan and Nigue.

Reports have it, 10 barangays here were also flooded.

The Brgy. Sta. Lucia road is also not passable to light vehicles.

Thousands remain threaten due to poor flood control projects

ARAYAT – Typhoon Labuyo had left the Philippine area of responsibility but still thousands of residents in the coastal barangays in the eight municipalities in the fourth district are remained threatened by unprecedented flooding due to poor flood control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

 

In Arayat town, the residents could not rely on the strength of the Guemasan and Cupang Dikes

despite millions of pesos spent by the national government through the public works.

 

Some portions of the dikes manifested weak foundation as the same collapsed several times in the past despite the engineering intervention applied.

 

Residents also cited the P25 million cut-off channel implemented by DPWH in Pampanga River along the portion of Barangay Guemasan as another wasted project which according to them failed to achieve its purpose.

 

The cut-off channel was made primarily designed  to reduce the volume of water coming from the upstream. 

 

Other residents living in the towns of  Sta. Ana, Mexico, Sto. Tomas, Mexico, Sto. Tomas and  City of San Fernando are likewise in danger should the dike leaks and sustains another damage with the heavy downpour.

 

In Candaba Town, the portion of the Arnedo Dike in Barangay Mandasig is currently collapsing and the residents were left “at the mercy of nature.”

 

More than P500-million was spent by the national government but still the dike is in the “sorry state.”

 

Recently, before the rainy season started the constructor was cited working on the area installing metal sheets but left the project unfinished.

 

Reports, have it the another P22-million was used in the installation of the metal sheets.

 

In San Luis town, portions of the Arnedo Dike in the barangays of Sta. Catalina and Sto. Tomas are also collapsing every time the Pampanga River over flows.

 

This also holds true in Barangay San Pedro, San Simon town wherein the residents are also asking for appropriate engineering intervention to avoid loss of lives and properties in the future.

Flood situation slowly going back to normal

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The flood situation in coastal communities in the province is now slowly going back to normal after  the water level in Pampanga River started to subside.

 

As per recent report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, several communities in the towns of Candaba, Masantol, Macabebe and San Simon were flooded only during Typhoon Labuyo.

 

In Macabebe town  the affected barangays were Castuli, San Jose, Saplad, David, Teresa, Matagiti, Sto. Nino, Sta. Cruz and Kadwang Tete. These communities are now back to normal situation.

 

The barangays of Sta. Lucia Anak, Bebe Anak, San Nicolas, Sta. Lucia Wakas, San Agustin, Bebe Matua, Alauli, Balibago, Bagang, Sagrada, Nigui, Sapang Kawayan, Sta. Lucia Matua, San Pedro, Sta Cruz and Sto. Nino in Masantol town were also previously flooded.

 

In San Simon only two barangays were affected by Typhoon Labuyo naming Sto. Nino and San Agustin.

 

Meanwhile,  in Candaba,  several low-lying communities were likewise submerged to flood water as a result of the over flowing of Pampanga River and other river channels including San Agustin, Buas, Gulap, Sto. Rosario, Mapanique, Vizal Sto. Cristo, Vizal Sto. Nino, Vizal San Pablo and Pulung Gubat.

 

Of all these barangays, only San Agustin is still under three-feet t flood water.

 

Hundreds of families were shortly displaced and forced to temporarily leave their houses for their safety during Typhoon Labuyo but the affected they already returned to their houses.

 

This does not include eight families in Barangay Sto. Nino, Candaba town whose houses were totally devastated.  

 

Community hospital to rise in San Simon

SAN SIMON - The provincial government disclosed that another community hospital is set to be constructed in Barangay Santo Niño this town.

The community hospital project will be realized through private and public partnership.

This came as a reputable local business man - Don Pangan donated  a parcel of lot in the said barangay consisting of at least one hectare in favor of the concerned local government unit subject to the condition that the same will be utilized for the establishment of a community hospital.

With this, Governor Lilia Pineda in a recent visit in town manifested her full support to proposed undertaking which is expected to benefit thousands of residents coming from the 14 barangays here.

Aside from the Simonians, the proposed hospital could also cater the medical needs of the residents in the neighboring towns of Apalit, Sto. Tomas and San L:uis among others.

Pineda said that she would work hard  with the provincial legislative body to ensure the allocation of specific  funds during budget deliberations to finance the construction of the community hospital.

Elite force pushes for training on high risk operations

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Philippine National Police’s elite force in the province pushed for a synchronized training on high risk operations with participants coming from all municipal  and cities stations in Pampanga.

 

The Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the provincial police office (PPO) handles

hostage rescue operations, high risks arrests and entered armored or barricaded buildings.

 

Police Inspector Ohmar Bognot, head of Pampanga SWAT said that the identified police will be trained on close quarters combat (CQB), firing, handling specialized weapons and firearms, and using specialized equipment such as heavy body armor, ballistic shields and others.

 

This effort is aimed at providing the best for the welfare and protection of the people in Pampanga.

 

Bognot stated that they are also considering a crash course for the creation of a motorcycle riding team under SWAT team to counter motorcycle riding suspects.

 

It can be recalled that recent shooting incidents in the province were perpetrated by an unidentified riders.

 

Currently, Pampanga SWAT has only two teams with 10 personnel each and most of them have been serving the unit 10 years and they work 24 hours a day.

 

 Bognot disclosed that the last SWAT training  was in 2006 which was conducted in the province.

 

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