The United States and the Philippine governments have agreed to establish a new state-of-the-art Regional Counterterrorism Training Center in the Philippines.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Oscar D. Albayalde and Deputy Chief of Mission John C. Law on Thursday (August 15) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to construct and operate the center on the grounds of the PNP Academy in Silang, Cavite. 

A press release issued by the U.S. Embassy said this is part of the deepening bilateral counterterrorism partnership of the two countries and other regional partner nations.

The statement further reads that 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.

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

This initiative from the U.S. comes in response to a request from the PNP for a state-of-the-art facility to provide enhanced regional counterterrorism training. 

The US Embassy said 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.

The United States and the Philippines governments have agreed to establish a new state-of-the-art Regional Counterterrorism Training Center in the Philippines.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Oscar D. Albayalde and Deputy Chief of Mission John C. Law on Thursday (August 15) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to construct and operate the center on the grounds of the PNP Academy in Silang, Cavite. 

A press release issued by the U.S. Embassy said this is part of the deepening bilateral counterterrorism partnership of the two countries and other regional partner nations.

The statement further reads that 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.

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

This initiative from the U.S. comes in response to a request from the PNP for a state-of-the-art facility to provide enhanced regional counterterrorism training. 

The US Embassy said 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.

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) said they acknowledge and respect the rights of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community.

In fact, according to PNP Spokesperson Police BGen. Bernard Banac, they have provided an exclusive toilet for LGBTs located at the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office.

They labeled it: “Gender Sensitivity Comfort Room / LGBT and Guest”

“Iyon po ay inilagay talaga natin bilang pagkilala natin sa karapatan ng bawat isa, ng bawat nilalang,” the PNP Spokesperson said.

BGen. Banac added that to provide such an area prevents discrimination among genders and gives members of the LGBT community convenience when they need to address the ‘call of nature’.

The official said they are also planning to construct such gender sensitive facility in all police camps across the country.

“Noon pa man ang PNP ay nangunguna na sa pagsuporta sa programa at mga batas patungkol sa gender and development sensitivity,” BGen. Banac noted.

“Ang gusto nga nating mangyari dito ay ma-empower at magkaroon ng equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respect for human rights at supportive tayo sa self-determination and actualization ng human potentials ng bawat nilalang,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PNP Spokesperson urges the private sector and all other government agencies to likewise provide or designate gender sensitive comfort rooms in their respective areas to cater to members of the LGBT community. – MNP (with details from Lea Ylagan)

MANILA, Philippines – Police General Oscar Albayalde admitted to accepting ‘lechon’ during special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays.

“Yes, of course during anniversaries we all accept food, lechon Albayalde told reporters.

“I don’t want to be a hypocrite. Kumain din ako ng lechon (I also ate lechon),” he added.

On Monday, his predecessor, former Police Chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa admitted to receiving Lacoste T-shirts among others during his term in the PNP.

Albayalde, however, did not directly answer when asked if he too received branded shirts.

“Well, out of gratitude kung minsan talagang may nagbibigay ng ganyan, (sometimes there are people who give such gifts),” the PNP Chief said.

“Kung yung brand na sinasabi mo, I don’t think sobrang mahal na iyon not unless iyong ibang brand na hindi mo na mabili na kulang yung tatlong buwan mo na sweldo (If it’s the brand that you were referring to [Lacoste], I don’t think it’s that expensive, unless it’s another brand that is so pricey your three month’s worth of salary is not enough to cover it),” he added.

The PNP Chief, in defense, said there is nothing wrong with accepting gifts that are of “insignificant value” as long as it was not given to curry favor.

“Kahit na ito ay insignificant in value kung meron itong kapalit then that is still a form of corruption ( (Even if it is of insignificant value but was made in exchange for a favor, then that is still a form of corruption ),” Albayalde argued.

“Kung ang pagkain naman ay ipinapadala sa iyo araw araw tapos meron siyang hinihinging kapalit (If food is being sent to you every day, then, you are asked for something in exchange) like position or promotion or even a product that can assure him of winning in the bids and awards committee, then that’s a form of corruption. Hindi puwede sa amin iyon (We do not allow that),” he explained further, emphasizing that the same goes with extravagant gifts like a car or a house and lot.

In a statement, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said any cop or employee of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) who would solicit, directly or indirectly from people, may face both administrative and criminal charges as stated in the National Police Commission Memorandum Circular 2016-002.

The PNP Chief, meanwhile, said they have already charged several policemen for extortion and the PNP has a special unit for this.

“In our own effort inabolish namin yung (we abolished the) counter-intelligence task force at pinalitan namin ng (and changed it to) integrity monitoring and enforcement group – a national operating support unit, to go after this corrupt personnel in our ranks,“ Albayalde explained.

Still, Chief Albayalde maintains that there is no need for the public to give gifts to policemen because public service is part of their job. – with details from Lea Ylagan