senseneres: HOW ABOUT COMBINING POLICE AND RESCUE UNITS?

HOW ABOUT COMBINING POLICE AND RESCUE UNITS?

No, I’m not (yet) suggesting that we merge the police and rescue functions. Let’s be clear about that. What I’m asking is simply this: Could that be a good idea? Is it something worth exploring—perhaps even piloting?

There are two kinds of rescue operations, broadly speaking. First, there are the day-to-day rescues—the ones done even without disasters, such as road accidents, flash floods, and missing persons. Then there are the disaster rescues—massive operations during typhoons, earthquakes, or landslides.

In both cases, we’ve seen how the Philippine National Police (PNP) can adapt to extraordinary functions. The PNP has shown excellence in specialized roles—the Special Action Force (SAF) and SWAT teams come to mind. If our police officers can handle hostage rescues and anti-terror operations, why not also train them for community-based rescue?

The Gray Zone in Rescue Operations

Rescue services in the Philippines are in what I call a “gray zone.” Who’s really in charge? The answer varies depending on the place. In some LGUs, the police handle it. In others, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) takes the lead. Elsewhere, the task falls to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) or a volunteer rescue team.

There’s no national standard. Each LGU improvises, often depending on its budget and personnel. This unevenness is part of the reason why disaster response can be so inconsistent from one province to another.

In a previous essay, I asked: Why not let ambulance services be handled by the fire department? This time, I’m asking: Why not let rescue operations be handled by the police?

A Helicopter View—Literally

Here’s one reality that deserves attention: very few LGUs own helicopters for either police or rescue use. Yet helicopters are vital for search and rescue—especially in mountainous or flooded areas where ground access is impossible.

So here’s a practical thought: why not equip police aviation units with more helicopters that can double as rescue craft? After all, police already have trained pilots and security logistics in place. The same aircraft could serve multiple purposes—law enforcement, medical evacuation, and disaster response.

This idea isn’t new. In fact, many countries have already combined police and rescue functions under one roof. Japan’s police, for instance, have dedicated air rescue units that respond to disasters and mountain accidents. In Germany, police aviation units often handle medical evacuation and search operations. Even in the United States, many state police and sheriff departments run helicopter-based rescue teams.

Of course, some might say: “We don’t even have enough helicopters for the Air Force!”—and they’d be right. But that’s a separate problem. We need more helicopters across all critical services, not just the military.

What’s ironic is that some corrupt private contractors in the country have managed to buy helicopters and even small jets. If they can do it, why can’t the government?

Who’s in Charge of Rescue Anyway?

Under the law, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is the overall coordinating body for disaster and rescue operations. It sits under the Department of National Defense (DND) and mobilizes agencies such as the PNP, BFP, Coast Guard, Armed Forces, and the Philippine Red Cross.

But in actual emergencies, the first responders are always the local ones—the barangay volunteers, the local police, and fire brigades. Republic Act No. 10121 (the Philippine DRRM Act of 2010) mandates that every barangay, city, and province must have its own DRRM Council. These councils lead evacuation, search and rescue, and coordination with national agencies.

In other words, the barangay is the first line of defense, and the national government only comes in when the scale of the disaster exceeds local capacity.

So Should the Police Lead Local Rescues?

If we think of it pragmatically, yes—the police are often the first on scene. They already have vehicles, radios, and command structures in place. They can secure perimeters, control crowds, and even provide first aid.

Combining police and rescue functions could therefore:
Speed up response times
Improve safety for rescue workers (through law enforcement support)
Allow shared use of logistics and communication equipment
Strengthen public trust through a unified response team

But it’s not without challenges.
Police are trained for law enforcement, not technical rescue—rope work, structural stabilization, water safety, and triage are specialized skills.
Jurisdictional confusion could arise—police report to the DILG, while rescue falls under LGUs and the NDRRMC framework.
Without clear command protocols, operations might overlap or conflict.

The Sensible Middle Ground

Maybe the answer isn’t full merger but integration. Here’s how that could work:

Joint Training: Conduct regular drills that combine the PNP, BFP, LGU rescue units, and barangay volunteers.
Unified Command: During major disasters, activate a single incident command post led by the DRRMO, with police as key partners.
Cross-Deployment: Allow police officers to assist in rescue operations when properly trained and equipped.
Barangay-Level Teams: Create hybrid community units composed of tanods, police officers, and local volunteers.

My Take

I’m not advocating for bureaucratic mergers just for the sake of it. What I’m suggesting is that we rethink how we use the resources and people we already have. The police are present in every city and town. Why not build on that presence to strengthen our local rescue capabilities?

If the Philippines can equip its police not only with firearms but also with life-saving tools—rescue ropes, trauma kits, even helicopters—we’d not just be enforcing the law, we’d also be protecting lives. Isn’t that, after all, what public safety is really about?

So, how about it? Maybe it’s time we seriously ask—not if we can combine police and rescue units—but if we shouldn’t have done it long ago.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

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