THE simulation exercises conducted by the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) Wednesday, March 8, exposed gaps in the police’s capability to effectively respond to terror attacks, a police official said.
Cocpo spokesperson Mardy Hortillosa II said among the weaknesses made evident by the terror drills is the apparent lack of coordination between units of the city police force.
Hortillosa said the exercise, which simulated an attack by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on a police outpost, highlighted the areas that need improvement like communication, coordination, skills and knowledge, and the need for an efficient and effective action plan.
“Need pud ang strategies nga while ga-withdraw ang enemy naa pud (We need to draw up strategies to employ while the enemy is withdrawing, there’s a) blocking force from the government aron maglisod pud gawas ang kontra (to prevent the rebels from escaping),” Hortillosa said.
He said all loopholes were noted down so that these can be remedied on the next counter-terrorism exercise.
Senior Inspector Dennis Ebsolo, Police Station 8 chief in Lumbia village where the exercise was held, said their “camp defense plan” was implemented during the drill but pointed out that the community also needs to be briefed on what to do.
“Usa sa atong concern ang security sa civilians mao padayon ang atong pulong-pulong sa community para magiyahan ang community unsay buhaton kung dunay atake sa kaaway (Security of civilians is a paramount concern that is why we also need to engage the community and draw up action plans in cases of attacks),” Ebsolo said.
Ebsolo said Wednesday’s drill was at their request following reports of NPA sightings at the fringes of Lumbia village.