The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has launched its first-ever Seaport Special Response Course (SSRC), marking a milestone in enhancing the capabilities of its Port Police officers.
The program, conducted in partnership with the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF), is designed to prepare officers to maintain safety, order, and peace at PPA managed ports nationwide.
Top PPA executives gathered to witness the opening ceremony of SSRC Class 01-2025, where 24 Port Police officers will undergo 30 days of intensive training with the PNP SAF. The course focuses on equipping them with critical skills to prevent, respond to, and manage disasters, untoward incidents, and security threats at seaports.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago underscored the importance of honing officers’ abilities for high-risk operations. In his message, he called on the participants to pursue the training with integrity, dedication, and purpose.
“Study with dedication, train with integrity and lead with purpose. When the time comes that your skills are tested, this opportunity will be the foundation of your success. Not just for the mission, but for the lives you will protect and the ports you will guard. Just don’t let this be just a training exercise. Use it to deepen your responsibility to your colleagues, to the PPA and to the entire nation,”Santiago said.
Guest of Honor and speaker PMGEN Mark Pespes, Director of the PNP SAF, likewise reminded the officers to apply their newfound skills responsibly and to live a life of service.
“Let’s ensure that what we have learned is used correctly, used in our work. Not to abuse, not for illegal activities. Sometimes, even in the south, our troops learn just to end up on some illegal activities. So a reminder to our colleagues,” Pespes said.
This latest program builds on previous initiatives to strengthen port security. In 2024, the Port Police completed the Basic Port Police Training Course at the PPA Training Center in La Union, which included modules on port operations, criminal law, firearms safety, water search and rescue, and endurance drills. With around 300 active Port Police officers currently deployed across major ports, the growing demand for personnel amid port expansions highlights the need for advanced and specialized training.
The SSRC represents more than just a skills development program. It reflects a strategic partnership between the PPA and PNP SAF, a shared commitment to ensure that the country’s ports remain safe, secure, and resilient in the face of evolving threats.
