RP, US TROOPS START ANTI-DRUGS TRAINING

AROUND 110 participants from the military, police, drug agency and the
US Forces will take part in the joint training exercises starting
Monday until September 24 at Camp Bado Dangwa and at the Philippine
Military Academy.

Dubbed as "Baker Piston 04-2," the counter narco-terrorism training
exercise aims to teach participants on how to identify and preserve
evidence, evacuate casualties, gather intelligence, and instruct
others on how to combat the menace of narcotics.

Lt. Col. Elias Escarcha, head of the 1st Civil Relations Group, said
the training, which is mostly-classroom oriented, is supported by the
local government and is seen to benefit the communities.

He explained that coordination with the LGU and the community was
conducted prior the military training adding. "It will not disrupt the
residents in the local communities since (the training) will take
place in classrooms."

He pointed out the joint training event is being held in the country
upon the invitation of the national government.

"Baker Piston 04-2 is designed to enhance the interoperability between
the military, federal and civil agencies. It will improve their
abilities to identify and preserve evidence, evacuate casualties,
gather intelligence and instruct others to fight narcotics," Escarcha
added.

The military training will also take place at the Public Safety
College Regional Training School in Davao City.

"Baguio and Davao were chosen as the location of the exercise since it
was determined that they have the most suitable facilities to meet the
training requirements," said Escarcha.