Private SWAT service probed

MANILA, Philippines — Personnel of a police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team allegedly deployed at a private event in Pasig City will be investigated, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said yesterday.

The Batangas SWAT team was reportedly present during an unidentified networking company’s event, during which they wore their uniforms and some carried firearms.

Abalos issued a directive to the Philippine National Police to probe the incident.

“The Department of the Interior and Local Government will not tolerate the deployment of our active police personnel as private escorts or for private purposes,” Abalos said.

Eastern Police District director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta said the SWAT personnel were merely on routine patrol and not moonlighting as private escorts.

“They made a stop (at the establishment) and a person invited them and took photos with them,” Asueta said.