By Ronron
September 26, 2007
Saying that it remains committed to help the Philippines in its fight against criminality and terrorism, particularly the illegal drugs trade, the United States formalized on Wednesday the grant of P11.2 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the renovation of a police training facility in General Santos City.
In simple rites at Camp Crame, Quezon City, US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney personally gave the donation to outgoing PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon, who will retire on October 1.
“We’re signing an important agreement that continues our collaboration on training and cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking,” Kenney told reporters after the signing ceremony.
A statement from the US Embassy said that the project will include new sleeping quarters, a dining facility, classrooms and upgrades to small arms ranges and a tactical “shoot house” structure.
“It’s part of a series of training efforts that we’re undergoing so that the Philippine National Police, specifically on anti-trafficking of drugs, will have the right facilities to train, to share ideas, techniques, not just with Americans, but with each other and also with other nations,” Kenney said.
Aside from the facility in General Santos City, those in Zamboanga City, San Fernando in La Union, and Palawan will also under improvement works, Kenney said.
“The US assistance seeks to improve the capabilities and capacities of its partner nation’s forces. The US enjoys a strong partnership with Philippine law enforcement officials and this is just one example of US support in improving the infrastructure of police units in the Philippines,” Kenney said.
According to Kenney, aside from the illegal drugs problem, the country is also faced with other security issues like terrorism and human trafficking, both the PNP needs to continue addressing.
For this reason, she said the US will also contribute in the Armed Forces’ Coast Watch South project, which is expected to start before the year ends.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Coast Watch South and we’re collaborating to see what else we can do – radars, boats, how we can share information,” Kenney said.
Asked if Americans feel safer in the country during the 15-month stint of Calderon as PNP chief, the envoy said: “Americans feel increasingly safer here in the Philippines. The PNP has done a wonderful job of looking after the really many difficult issues that face every police force in the world today.”
She said even American business has remained bullish in the country, thanks to the quality of Filipino employees, whom she describe as “energetic and dedicated,” and the level of security.
“American business is very enthusiastic about what we do here. In fact, next week, I’m going to Cebu where we have an American showcase (where) … American companies are here looking for Philippine partners to do business in the country,” Kenney said.
Kenney said that even the killing of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell in April of this year in Ifugao did not discourage other volunteers from continuing public service in the country.
But she said that while the number of volunteers, which is about 200 at this time, was not affected, American authorities have taken “the safety and security of our volunteers very seriously.”
Nonetheless, Kenney thanked Calderon for the efforts of the PNP to solve the murder case of Campbell.
“I’m actually looking forward to getting up to Banaue myself at some point because I want to thank the police up there, the local citizens who helped us look for Julia Campbell, have a chance to see for myself the extraordinary beauty, and to have a chance to see some of our other projects,” Kenney said./DMS
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