The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) emerged as the overall champion in the Enhanced Management of Police Operations (EMPO) 2025 Challenge in Central Visayas after earning an outstanding 98.53 percent rating in a simulated robbery-holdup scenario.
MCPO outperformed other police units in the region through its rapid response, strong leadership, and effective use of technology—key factors that impressed evaluators during the competition.
The annual challenge tests police stations through randomly assigned crisis scenarios, including active shooting incidents, hostage situations, protest crowd control, unattended baggage, and robbery responses.
MCPO director Police Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr. received the award from Police Regional Office Central Visayas director Brigadier General Redrico Maranan on December 2.
Acosta said their victory came from consistent preparation.
He noted that officers undergo an average of 10 simulation drills each day to maintain readiness.
He also emphasized that accuracy and speed are critical in real-life operations.
Technology played a major role in MCPO’s strong performance.
The office now uses 95 CCTVs connected to the Mandaue City Command Center, along with 41 body-worn cameras and area cameras positioned in high-traffic and crime-prone locations.
MCPO has also issued 41 official mobile phones to field personnel to record and transmit live video directly to the command center, allowing faster and more accurate responses.
Two officers per shift monitor each surveillance zone to ensure round-the-clock coverage.
MCPO also mirrors the live feeds of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, allowing police to keep close watch over major roads and intersections.
Acosta said the EMPO program has long been part of police operations, but it has been strengthened in recent years with tools such as body cameras, drones, and digital platforms.
He added that improving peace and order remains a core commitment of the Philippine National Police. (VCL)
