MANILA, Philippines - From the moment it was created, the newly formed elite Crisis Action Force (CAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will do nothing but wait and swiftly respond to highly critical situations, in the nature of the tragic August 23 Manila hostage-taking that took the lives of 8 people from Hong Kong.

"Ang focus nila are hostage situations and dangerous surgical ops, of any terrain. That's their only job, day in day out," said PNP Director for Operations Director Leocadio Santiago.

The formation of CAF, Santiago explained, was requested by no less than President Benigno Aquino himself, after his administration and the nation drew fierce international criticism for the failed attempt to stop a disgruntled police officer from taking the lives of a busload of tourists, in a stand-off that dragged for 10 hours.

To finance the group, the Aquino administration allotted P150 million.   

Early this month, CAF officers underwent evaluation for their performance in various high-risk situations.

Evaluators from New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, and Australia watched as the CAF neutralized threats on land, sea, and air scenarios.

CAF members passed the scrutiny of their foreign evaluators, but with strict reminders of how crucial the element of time is in scenarios they will be made to handle.

Santiago also received reminders that the CAF will need constant training, and the proper equipment.

"We cannot perform halfway," said Santiago. "We cannot say your people are highly-skilled kundi nila gamit ang tamang equipment."

Special equipment needed

While grateful for the P150-million allocation, Santiago admitted that this fund will not be enough, considering the specialized equipment the CAF will need.

"We need proper body armor. In the situations we will be facing, there will be nothing standing in between me and the perpatrator. Yung mga nagtatago sa gilid, pang-pelikula lang yon. We also need weapons that can control range. Kung nasa masikip na eroplano ka at masyadong malakas ang armas mo, lalagpas yung bala mo may tatamaan kang iba," he said.

CAF also needs high-standard protective vests, gas masks, knee pads and helmets, and radio communication for each member.

At the moment, members of the CAF will use equipment carried over from their units of origin.

Santiago said CAF members who came from the Special Action Force (SAF) will be substantially equipped, but CAF members who come from the Maritime and Aviation Command will need better equipment.

He showed ABS-CBN News a customized M-16 rifle, which is shorter than an ordinary M-16 and has the capability to switch bullets and range of fire.

Santiago ordered 180 such guns among others, but he is worried that the procurement process could affect their acquisition. "Special equipment ito. Dapat specialized procurement din. Alam mo naman ang tagal ng bidding process. hindi natin alam kung kailan dadating ang sunod na krisis. We need these as soon as possible."

The procurement process could also land them with cheaper equipment that are not suitable to CAF requirements.

Santiago estimated that the necessary equipment may amount to more than P500 million. He also admitted that asking for such an amount would be a long shot. "Sasabihan lang ako ng Senado, bakit, hindi naman araw-araw may krisis kayong aayusin ah."
   
Training, the CAF head said, is a another matter to contend with and spend for. A unit that banks on speed and accuracy should ideally train every day, but budget constraints will prove a challenge for the CAF.

The 4-day training with foreign evaluators alone cost P500,000.

Lessons learned
   
Santiago was himself involved in the hostage fiasco.

Being then-chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCPRO), Santiago was reprimanded for not relieving from his duty Gen. Rodolfo Magtibay of the Manila Police District, even after Magtibay displayed lack of control over the hostage situation.

Santiago was removed as NCRPO chief, and was transferred to his current post at the Directorate for Operations.

Now he oversees the CAF with the lessons of August 23 constantly on his mind.

"Do not put human life to chance," Santiago said with a rueful smile.