4,590 cops got US law enforcement training

The US Department of Justice has provided investigative training to another 4,590 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel on international criminal investigation during the past 12 months, bringing to more than 16,000 the number of Filipino law enforcers who have undergone the US State Department-funded program.

In a report posted on its website, the US Embassy in Manila said the justice department’s latest International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (Icitap) course was conducted from December 5 to 16 at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Over 30 PNP personnel took part in the program, which the embassy says aims to “develop professional and transparent law enforcement institutions that protect human rights, combat corruption and reduce the threat of transnational crime and terrorism.”

Icitap, which works closely with the State Department, the US Agency for International Development and the Washington-run Millennium Challenge Corporation, “provides international development assistance that supports both national security and foreign policy objectives.”

Cyber classroom

Aside from criminal investigation, Icitap also “possesses a comprehensive range of public safety development expertise on marine and border security, forensics, specialized and tactical skills, basic police services, community policing, corrections, organizational development and information systems,” according to the embassy.

The US has also recently turned over a new “cyber classroom” to the PNP Training Service unit at Camp Crame.

“Equipped with cyber training equipment and software, the classroom will be used to train PNP personnel within the agency’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Anti-transnational and Cyber Crimes Division,” said another embassy report.

The classroom is worth at least $100,000 (about P4.4 million), according to the mission.

The donation is part of the State Department’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program, which “trains civilian security and law enforcement personnel from selected countries in police procedures that deal with terrorism.”

“US Diplomatic Security personnel work with government and law enforcement officials (in host countries) to deliver effective training for bomb detection, crime scene investigation, airport and building security, maritime protections and VIP protection,” said the embassy.

Law enforcement aid

From nearly P495 million in 2010, the US increased its law enforcement aid to the Philippines to close to P630 million last year, including about P202 million for infrastructure projects.

The projects include a crime laboratory and barracks at the Philippine Public Safety College in Zamboanga City and a general office building for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Butuan City.

The US also plans to put up a maritime police station and training facility on Balabac Island in Palawan.

Washington’s support for the government’s law enforcement programs were in the form of “technical assistance, training, facilities, and supply of equipment.”