New regional counterterrorism training center breaks ground

MANILA —As part of our deepening bilateral counterterrorism partnership, Philippine Police Chief General Oscar Albayalde and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim broke ground on a new state-of-the-art Regional Counterterrorism Training Center in the Philippines.

The U.S. and Philippine governments will construct and operate the center on the grounds of the PNP Academy in Silang, Cavite.  The U.S. Department of State has secured Php 520 million ($10 million) in counterterrorism partnership funds to establish and jointly operate the center with the PNP.

Once constructed, the center will provide counterterrorism training for law enforcement units and personnel from the Philippines and regional partner nations.

The initiative comes in response to a request from the PNP for a state-of-the-art facility to provide enhanced regional counterterrorism training.  The establishment of this center reflects the U.S.’ enduring commitment to support Philippine counterterrorism efforts and work together to address threats to peace and security in the region.