THE Police Regional Office (PRO 11) in Davao Region launched Tuesday, April 24, the National Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Competition to assess and test the operational readiness of policemen in managing mass action and public disturbance in upcoming events in the region.

PRO 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz said the event aims to highlight the capabilities of the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel especially in handling street protesters.

“The CDM Competition among the organized CDM Units to assess and test the operational readiness, equipage, competency and capability of all PNP CDM contingents in dealing with and responding to mass actions and public disturbance requiring police response,” she said.

This is also undertaken in preparation for several activities for the next two months including the Labor Day on May 1; Barangay and SK election on May 14; commemoration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12; Filipino-American Friendship Day on July 4; opening of classes in June; and State of the Nation Address (Sona) every fourth Monday of July.

The competition consists of organized CDM formations and case-based scenarios from different units in Davao region. Their performance will be evaluated based on the parameter and criteria provided in the Police Operational Procedures (POP) and rules established by appropriate regulations.

Driz added that the competition is composed of three phases, the first phase graded inspection which includes the completeness of CDM complemnt equipment, uniforms and support elements; second phase demonstration by company-size complement of the eight basic CDM formation; and third phase problem-based scenarios requiring the participants to solve and apply appropriate formation and procedures.

The top three shall be awarded with trophies and medals. Awars also await the Best in Uniform and winners in Phases I, II and III.