SWAT unit gets P5.7M worth of guns, ammos

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The city government of Silay in Negros Occidental turned over P5,781,000 worth of high-powered firearms, equipment, and ammunition to its Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) Team.

Mayor Mark Golez led the turnover of the weapons to the team led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert Petate, Silay City police chief, and Police Executive Master Sergeant Eric Entero last Wednesday.

Petate said the city police force had previously requested support from the city government to enhance the capabilities of the SWAT Team by providing them new firearms and equipment.

“Subong natigayon gid and we’re very thankful sa support sang local government,” he added.

Petate said the SWAT team received M-16 rifles, .45 caliber pistols, several ammunition, bulletproof vest, and helmets, among others.

Petate said that it will beef up the capabilities of the Swat personnel to maintain peace and order in the city.

The SWAT Team is composed of trained personnel deployable to emergency situations and other incidents. They also provide security to VIPs and assigned to the roving patrol team.

With this development, Petate said they are planning to ask for seven more personnel to be trained as part of the city’s SWAT Team.

He said the city government already assured support for the expenses of the training of the additional personnel.