D.P.A (Straight from the camp)
By Francisco Lindero, Jr.

Welcome to 6th RMG
(Part I)

The recent reports on hazing incidents at 6 th Regional Mobile Group (RMG) did not only draw questions on the effectiveness of Anti-Hazing Law but also awakened the curiosity of many on the nature of the said PNP unit.

Most of us are familiar with Regional Special Action Company (RSAC) or Regional Special Action Force (RSAF) but little did we know on the existence of the RMG. Our fellows in Negros Occidental may be more familiar with this PNP unit than we here in Panay and Guimaras islands because RMG concentrates its operations in the Province of Negros Occidental . Thus, this article is so named for it contains basic information about 6 th RMG including the writer's view on its nature and character as one of the PNP operational support units.

The 6 th Regional Mobile Group is created to respond specifically on the insurgency problem in Western Visayas . Considering the gravity of insurgents operating in the area, the said unit intensifies its operations in the province of Negros Occidental . Its battalion headquarters is located at Camp Aniceto L Lacson in Victorias City and four (4) Mobile Companies (MCoy) are strategically established at Manapla (601 st MCoy); Sagay City (602 nd MCoy); Talisay City (603 rd MCoy) and Bago City (604 th MCoy). Each MCoy has set up several Advance Command Posts (ACPs) to strengthen its disposition against the insurgents operating in the Province. At present, 19 Police Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) and 586 Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) comprise the total strength of the said unit.

Incidental to its function, 6 th RMG is also considered as the initiation ground for new police members after complying all the mandatory trainings required. With this, it becomes for most PNP members their “place of first assignment”.

The new members entering this fold are full of idealism   and energy of being called the frontliners. They are young, fresh and innocent – unstained yet vulnerable of the rotten image of the embattled organization. Thus, it is paramount that 6 th RMG must establish or observe peculiar kind of lifestyle or practice that suits its budding members. It must endeavor to rise above the level of ordinary PNP unit by giving its members sufficient dose of indoctrination to attune them with the nature and demands of their assignments and the mandates for which RMG has existed.

I don't intend to suggest that 6 th RMG must have its own world distinct from and devoid of character of other PNP units. It is too much to ask for. Besides I am not that desperate to expect league of superheroes outside the white screen to intercede in our insurgency problem. It is enough that 6 th RMG becomes a fortress where the best men for defense are nurtured and developed.

Nurture and develop are two significant concepts that would-be members of 6 th RMG must understand. Being graduates of basic courses at training centers, new police officers are almost ready to carry out their functions. They have not finished the six-months (or even more) of lectures and demonstrations for nothing. Otherwise, we have to question their motives in joining the police force.

The training centers are not transitory venues where new police recruits stripped off their civilian clothing and took on a new blue uniform. Ok fine,   PNP is civilian in character; but it must have an identity that differentiates its members from the rest of the civil populace.

The regimented life at training centers is an avenue by which police recruits gradually develop and acquire the image of real law enforcers. They are trained not only to be proficient in handling firearms but more importantly to be officers who can maintain stability under pressures. Unlike in other agencies of the government, police officers, despite their civilian nature, undergo the rigors of physical, mental, emotional and psychological exercises to fit them best in their mandated duties and responsibilities.   It is worth-noting that, in the course of these exercises, the police officers who belonged in the same class developed strong bond of brotherhood and camaraderie under the motto: “one for all; all for one”. This process never happens in the employment procedure of other agencies – government or not.

Nevertheless, the preparation for real police life cannot be completed in training centers in the span of few months. The field is the real testing ground. It is there that every police officer learns the profound understanding of their functions. Good for the lady officers, they go straight to the cozy corners of their offices. But, for the guys, they have to render two-year field duty with 6 th RMG, where greater challenges await them.

It is presumed that those months prior to their coming in the RMG, police officers have aced cowardice and acquired hearts ready for battle. “ Pusong mammon” has no place in there. But, the presumption is not conclusive. It is but natural for some police officers to be in the state of “incompleteness” or for not being totally prepared. As I said, months in training school do not suffice to make a police officer ready and complete.

As a place of their first assignment, 6 th RMG has great responsibilities to help its new members adjust with the demands and functions of the unit. It will not warrant laxity, lousiness and mediocrity penetrate its portals. It is not amazing then that new police officers will experience “culture shock” on the advent of their entrance to this enclave. Thus, resistance from these neophyte members is inevitable. First love oftentimes does not spark at first sight anyway!

In my previous article, “ Get hazed to belong” , I used giving birth as analogy to the process of becoming “full-fledged” members of 6 th RMG. Giving birth is painful. But, mothers can proudly testify that seeing their newly born is worth more than the pains they had experienced. Same is true in the entrance to 6 th RMG. No red carpets are laid for its new members. Everyone has to labor for the laurels. Yes, being recognized as member of RMG is worth more than the push ups… snake rolls… log rolls… and even the baseball bats and paddles. It is a noble prize that one will forever cherish; and, that gives him a lasting privilege of calling RMG… a home! (to be continued)

(For comments and reactions, e-mail me at rogatepnp@yahoo.com or send SMS at 09193161190.)