The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday it is developing the capability of police commando units through a special training on air-ground operations to meet the operational requirements for rapid response in the course of internal security operations and threat situations that may arise especially before the May 2010 elections.

PNP Chief, Director General Jesus Verzosa joined the latest batch of police commandos who underwent the special training at the Special Action Force (SAF) training facility at Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City. The training included simulated rappelling from a fixed position and air-ground insertion by rappelling from a helicopter.

The PNP-SAF and other tactical units from the Regional and Provincial Mobile Groups and National Operational Support Units have been undergoing specialized training on air-ground operations and rapid deployment by heliborne rappelling, fast rope insertion and tactical drop tactics.

SAF Director, Chief Supt. Leocadio Santiago explained that the air-ground rapid deployment capability will enable police tactical units to conduct surgical strikes on ground targets such as fortified enemy encampments and bases of operation.

“The same rapid deployment capability will also enable tactical units to be inserted on the ground as troop reinforcement in any scene of encounter or government installations that are under attack,” Santiago said.

On the other hand, Versoza said the same capability is a strategic advantage in the PNP's performance of election duties and law enforcement functions particularly when engaging partisan armed groups and criminal elements that may threaten election-related activities in the coming 2010 polls.

Verzosa said the PNP will hit hard on persons and groups in possession of loose firearms immediately after the final firearms amnesty period ends on Nov. 30.

"We expect to encounter some tactical issues in operations against loose firearms especially those in the hands of organized private armies and criminal syndicates. Air-ground rapid deployment capability is our best response to this situation," the Chief PNP said.

Similarly, the SAF and PNP Maritime Group are also developing the capability of tactical police units for seaborne amphibious insertion in support of internal security and law enforcement operations.

This type of rapid deployment capability has proven useful in internal security operations in some areas in Mindanao.