NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA) —The Philippine National Police Aviation Security (NAPS) Unit 5, Naga Airport Police station led by PLT Mark Anthony E. Noleal, in coordination with various government agencies and the media, conducted a Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) in Response to Active Shooting Incident (RASI), June 28 at the Naga Airport, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur.

The scenario includes an armed shooter who was able to enter the security check at the airport’s entrance and subsequently fired at the security guard on duty while attempting to enter the restricted tower area.

The entire SIMEX intends to showcase the capacity of the responders and the airport security group’s readiness to manage an incident where lives are at stake, especially of airline passengers and airport personnel.  

“We decided to conduct this activity pursuant to our mission to secure all the country’s airports against offensive and terroristic acts that threaten the Civil Aviation.  We also want to showcase how we exercise operational control and supervision over all security agencies involved in airport security operations and the enforcement of the laws and regulations relative to air travel protection and safety,” Noleal said in an interview.

Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) represented by retired Navy Captain Edgardo Guevarra and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Joco Celebrado acted as observers, including members of the quad-media. 

Part of the drill was the execution of various government agencies' functions and role in the portrayed scenario.  Present during the SIMEX are personnel of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Canine or K9 group, including the NAPS unit, Pili Municipal Police Station and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Naga Airport Officer in Charge Terminal Supervisor Teodolfo C. Orbon Jr. extended his gratitude to the SIMEX team and expressed that the drill experience will be used to enhance the airport’s security further and secure the air-traveling public, including all airport employees and personnel, and the airport’s properties.

Acting as PNP AVES Group Spokesperson PCMS Melvin A. Velasquez, handled all the media queries regarding the incident.

 Velasquez said that the lapses in the response scenario will be thoroughly reviewed and will be used to aid them in their succeeding action plans. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)