CAMP BRIG. GEN. OSCAR M. FLORENDO, La Union – Three police officers, among the 78 graduates of the Philippine National Police Special Counter-Insurgency Operation Unit Training (PNP SCOUT) conducted by the Regional Mobile Group 1 (RMG1), received awards of merit during the graduation ceremony held recently at the grandstand here.

Police Officer 1 Edward Nicolas ranked No. 1 overall, PO1 Rodel Gonzales took first place in academics, and PO1 Marlou Molina was tops in the non-academic category and in the 40-kilometer endurance run.

The 45-day SCOUT course is a basic combat training for new PNP recruits to prepare them in anti-insurgency and other field operations that they may possibly encounter in their upcoming assignments.

PRO1 head Police Chief Superintendent Ramon V. Gatan, who was the guest of honor and speaker, said the SCOUT training is a requirement for new recruits in view of the significant role of the PNP in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

“I am confident that your SCOUT course had developed in you the skills and competency to face any threat groups and lawless elements that you may encounter as you perform your duties and responsibilities in the places where you will be assigned,” Gatan told the graduates.