Former Philippine National Police - Special Action (PNP-SAF) chief Leocadio Santiago Jr. advised against assigning the unit to anti-illegal drug operations.
"Kung sa tactical side, pwede pero kung sa pag-develop ng target, mag-handle ng agent, penetration, hindi ko i-recommend," Santiago said on Friday, May 19, during DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas.
"Ang training nila ay surgical at saka mobile," he added.
Santiago instead recommends that a separate intelligence unit will 'develop the target' while a PNP-SAF handles the neutralization.
He also advised rotating the PNP-SAF units involved in anti-illegal drug operations to ensure their integrity.
"Kapag binigyan ka ng isang bagay na sasabihin mo na okay na ito pang pension, pang-retirement, matutukso kayo kahit anong hirap ng inyong training," Santiago stressed.
"Strike force lang sila at nagbabago yung strike force. Hindi permanent na siya," he added.
While speaking to reporters during the sidelines of the 40th founding anniversary of PNP-SAF at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, PNP chief PGen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. brought up the idea of transferring members of the unit to the PNP-Drug Enforcement Group.
