The Philippine National Police (PNP) is proud of the outstanding achievement of its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team highlighted at the Awarding Ceremony held for the UAE SWAT Challenge 2025 Philippine contingent on February 26, 2025 at the PNP Star Lounge, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame.
The ceremony was presided over by PLtGen Robert T. Rodriguez, Deputy Chief for Operations, with the presence of PMGen Constancio T. Chinayog, Jr., Director for Personnel and Records Management, and PMGen Mark D. Pespes, Director of the Special Action Force.
Notably, the PNP SWAT Team led by PLtCol Marlon U. Ancheta, along with PCpt Douglas M. Napiloy, PSMS Jonathan Rex B. Accad, PMsg Ricson K. Saggut, PCpl Bruceley B. Balao-as, PCpl Sylvestre Dayne D. Banguigui, PCpl Alexis L. Bismonte, PCpl Jerome P. Gakayaen, Pat John Brendan B. Gammong, and Pat Kevin T. Quezon had clinched the 25th place out of 103 elite tactical teams from around the world – a significant leap from 45th place in 2023 and 34th place in 2024.
The UAE SWAT Challenge 2025 had kicked off on February 1 and concluded on February 5 at Al Ruwayyah Training City in Dubai. PNP-SAF had to compete in five events to showcase their skills in rigorous and exhilarating scenarios, including the Assault Event where teams overcame obstacles and breach doors using various weapon systems; the Tactical Event which tested their precise communication and shooting under time pressure; the Officer Rescue Event which required teams to save a “downed” officer while navigating obstacles; the Tower Assault challenge that involved rappelling and target shooting; and finally, the Obstacle Course that tested their physical endurance with 19 insurmountable barriers to surpass. Each event had demanded exceptional tactical strategies, physical prowess, and unbreakable teamwork.
In recognition of their competitive skills and dedication to represent our organization whilst highlighting the Philippines’ law enforcement capabilities on the global stage, the team was equally awarded the Medalya ng Kasanayan for their outstanding performance in the prestigious competition. The same team had also championed the PNP SWAT Challenge 2025 conducted by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) held from January 15 to 17, 2025 at the Headquarters of the Special Action Force (SAF), Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
In his opening remarks, PMGen Chinayog, Jr. applauded the team’s enthusiasm to excellence, and expressed how their achievement had served as an inspiration to the entire organization. “This success of yours is not only for you, but for the entire PNP. This is a proof that through effort, proper preparation, and strong organization, we will continue to rise and be more effective in our role,” PMGen Chinayog said.
Meanwhile, in the message of the PNP Chief, PGen Rommel Francisco D. Marbil delivered by PLtGen Rodriguez, he extended his commendable applause to the said team. He also emphasized PNP’s steady rise in the competition as a reflection of its commitment to enhancing its tactical proficiency and international competitiveness.
“Your performance on the international stage brings immense pride to the Philippine National Police and our country. It is a clear reflection of our continuous efforts to elevate our tactical capabilities to match global standards,” PNP Chief Gen. Marbil.
“More than that, your participation had allowed us to forge stronger bonds with law enforcement agencies worldwide, exchange knowledge, and adopt best practices that will further enhance our operational effectiveness,” he added.
The UAE SWAT Challenge is an intense competition that showcases the world’s top tactical units under extreme pressure, testing their precision, cohesion, flexibility, and operational prowess towards excellence.
Beyond the competition, the PNP-SWAT Team had the chance to foster knowledge-sharing among other tactical units, learn from other teams, and integrate the latest global best practices into their actual field operations. The event had served as a real-time assessment of the team’s readiness and adaptability in high pressure situations.
With the this victory, the Philippine National Police reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a high level of public security, strengthening international law enforcement relations, and continuously improving operational capabilities in the Bagong Pilipinas!
