Monday, April 07, 2008
Police to train student probers in real-life terror scene (8:30 p.m.)
MANILA -- The Philippine police are launching a new anti-terror training course aimed at exposing budding investigators to real-life attacks and interrogations, officials said Monday.
The three-month course to be offered at a police training center starting next month is part of a government effort to increase authorities' capability to convict militants who are captured for terrorist activities, said National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr.
The Philippines, a key US ally in the global war on terrorism, has been battling al-Qaeda-linked rebels in remote jungles in the country's volatile south. US-backed Filipino forces have captured or killed hundreds of suspected terrorists in recent years.
"Terrorism constantly evolves," Razon said. "Our men at the forefront should be trained to deal with the latest terrorist trends."
New Filipino and other Southeast Asian police investigators will be offered training from terrorism experts and the chance to observe scenes of attack and interrogations of newly captured suspects.
"The intent is to train them to properly find and acquire evidence to successfully convict a terrorist," said Police Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Mendoza.
Officials have been struggling to reform the 120,000-strong police force, which has gained notoriety for rampant corruption, sloppy work and alleged human rights violations. (AP)
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