Elite security teams to be deployed to Philippine embassies abroad

MANILA, Philippines—The police and the Armed Forces will have formed by the end of July the first batch of rapid reaction teams (RRTs) whose members shall be deployed to Philippine embassies in strife- or calamity-stricken places abroad, officials said.

The RRTs will be tasked with ensuring the safety and security of overseas Filipinos from immediate dangers and will take the lead in relocation and evacuation efforts, especially in countries experiencing natural disasters, armed conflicts and similar crises.

Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo recently ordered the Philippine National Police to coordinate with the Department of National Defense with respect to the constitution of RRTs in response to a memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.

Selection of the PNP personnel is ongoing and they will be trained in time for the deployment, PNP spokesperson Agrimero Cruz Jr. said in a statement.

“Qualifiers must be physically and mentally fit, must possess a rank from Senior Inspector to Superintendent, and must have no pending administrative or criminal cases,” he added.

“Preferred PNP personnel who will be part of the RRTs to be deployed in crisis-prone countries especially in Middle East Asia will be assisting our Philippine embassies and consulates in assuring the security and well being of our Filipino workers and nationals abroad,” PNP Director General Raul M. Bacalzo said.

“Policy and operational guidance will be conducted, and if needed, the RRTs will also act as a support for the chances of executing repatriation and relocation activities” the PNP chief added.