The Police Regional Office – Soccsksargen (PRO-12), together with the city government, handed over here Friday new firearms and equipment to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the local police force.

Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, the PRO-12 director, said Mayor Joseph Evangelista led the simple turnover ceremony at the Kidapawan police headquarters of 12 Galil Ace assault rifles from PRO-12; and also 12 tactical vests, 12 Kevlar helmets, 20 handheld radios, and two Meprolight night sights from the local government unit.

Evangelista, in his message, lauded the leadership of Tagum in his support to strengthen local security and ensure public safety against criminality and terrorism.

“This is evidence of our strong corroborative efforts in deterring crimes to attain a peaceful and livable community”, he said.

Tagum, meanwhile, urged the SWAT team to use all its assets to counter criminal acts that could hinder local development and derail the economic opportunities, as well as, the dreams of every citizen.

“As SWAT members, I’m looking forward to your dedication and sincerity in executing your duties to ensure the safety of our constituents,” he said.

“The team must serve as a model in the community and do its responsibility without any hesitations,” he added.

The city is the lone LGU in the province that pushed for the creation of a separate SWAT unit as an elite force deployed for high-risk operations and urban counter operations.

Others in attendance at the ceremony were Col. Harold S. Ramos, North Cotabato police provincial director; Maj. Andres Sumugat, the city police deputy chief; and Catholic priests Fr. Ian Jetro L. Sasi, DCK, and Fr. Desiderio Balatero, DCK, both from the Diocese of Kidapawan, who blessed the police equipment. (PNA)