Asia Pacific Journal of Education, Arts and Sciences, Vol. 4 No. 2, April 2017 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1 P-ISSN 2362-8022 | E-ISSN 2362-8030 | www.apjeas.apjmr.com Status of PNP-SWAT Training in CALABARZON as Basis for Enhanced Capability Noel P. Cetron (MSCJ) Criminal Justice Department, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Batangas City, Philippines noelcetron88@gmail.com Date Received: February 28, 2017; Date Revised: March 27, 2017 Asia Pacific Journal of Education, Arts and Sciences Vol. 4 No. 2, 1-13 April 2017 P-ISSN 2362-8022 E-ISSN 2362-8030 www.apjeas.apjmr.com Abstract - This descriptive research determined the status of Philippine National Police (PNP) - Special Weapons and Tactics Training (SWAT) training at Police Regional Office (PRO) in CALABARZON Region, Philippines considering the five mandatory factors which include funds, training instructors, program of instruction, facilities and equipment along with the problems encountered. A total of 223 PNP – SWAT personnel specifically from Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), Cavite, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon Provincial Police Offices served as respondents of the study. The findings showed that majority of the respondents were PNP-SWAT members from Cavite and Batangas Provincial Police Offices with positions from Police Officer 1 – Police Officer 3 and having 5 to 8 years in service. Significantly, the PNP –SWAT training was considered commendable by the respondents where availability of funds obtained the highest mean while equipment obtained the least. Likewise, availability of fund was revealed to be the most manifested problem during training. With the findings reached, the study recommended looking into a more appropriate allocation of funds, conduct of continuous training for instructors, expansion of the basis of the training into the international arena and revision and modification of the proposed action plan to help enhance the status of PNP-SWAT training in PRO- CALABARZON. Keywords: PNP-SWAT, Training Program, Status, Criminal Justice INTRODUCTION The work of a police officer appears glamorous and exciting when viewed from television shows or movies. However, in reality, it is widely regarded that police officers in any given society have a difficult job to fulfil. Each day that an officer awakes to go to work his or her life is in danger. They are never certain of what will happen. There have been numerous occasions when police officers have lost their lives while responding to a crime call. However, despite these, they are brave enough to fulfil their virtuous oath to serve and protect the public. All that they wanted to assure is that everyone could live a peaceful life within the community where he or she belongs. Nowadays, it can’t be denied that the government through its law enforcement body finds it hard to secure that this happens to anyone as the government now is faced with formidable social problems and concerns. It might not be new to anyone that criminality is on top of these which affects all parts of the country and every aspect of community living. Much more, the ever changing societal situation in terms of demography, increasing rate and complexity of crime particularly of an organized nature and also accompanied by violence, agitations, violent demonstrations, variety of political activities, left wing terrorism, insurgency, militancy, enforcement of economic and social legislations have further added to the barriers to establishing a pacifistic society everyone dreams of. In an effort, the government through the Philippine National Police created the Philippine National Police-Special Weapons and Tactics (PNP- SWAT), an elite tactical unit in law enforcement service in the country, trained to perform high-risk operation beyond scope and capabilities of regular police officers. The primary function and duties were but not limited to counter-terrorism operation, hostage crisis and rescues, and engaging with heavily armed and high profile criminals. A SWAT team is provided and equipped with specialized firearms. Moreover, they also have specialized gears and machines. Their assigned mission are but not limited to high risk warrant service, hostage rescue, barricaded persons, sniper incidents, buy bust assault, high risk