Special Reaction Unit

The Special Reaction Unit is a part of the Presidential Security Group, which serves as its main counter-terrorist unit among the other nine organic units.[1] It's not to be confused with the Special Reaction Unit of the Philippine National Police's Maritime Group, since they share the same name.[2]

From time to time, the SRU has been called in to assist other Philippine law enforcement/military units in internal security activities and duties when their presence is needed.[3][4]

## History

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PSG SRU operators march during a parade in counter-terrorist combat gear. Note that they're marching with a mix of G36 and G36C assault rifles.

The Special Reaction Unit was organized in 1988 with the officers and enlisted personnel from Presidential Security Group's Echo Company, Presidential Guards and 14th SR Company, First Scout Ranger Regiment, Philippine Army. Then Captain Jessie Dellosa was its first commanding officer. Captain Dellosa became Chief of Staff AFP during the term of President Benigno S Aquino III. [5] Captain Alan Purisima of the defunct Philippine Constabulary was its first executive officer. Purisima rose to the rank of Director General, PNP, [6] The SRU had been used to defend the Philippine government, which has been done during the anti-President Cory Aquino coup attempt.[7]

There was a previous plan to arm SRU operators with United Defense Manufacturing Corporation-made M4 assault rifles, but the plan fell through because the SRU was armed with foreign-made assault rifles.[8] The SRU has conducted CQB training in 2010 despite the presence of Typhoon Juan.[9]

## Known Commanding Officers

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* Captain Jessie Dellosa Philippine Army 1988-1992 [5]

## References

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1. ^ "Executive Summary" (PDF). Commission on Audit. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
2. ^ "HEADQUARTERS SPECIAL REACTION UNIT". Philippine National Police. Archived from the original on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
3. ^ "PNP, AFP personnel secure Comelec's canvassing center". Journal Online. 2013-05-15. Archived from the original on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
4. ^ "'Dagdag na 279 security detail pinadala ng PNP at AFP sa PICC'" (in Tagalog). Bombo Radyo Philippines. 2013-05-14. Archived from the original on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
5. ^ a b Aurea Calica (2013-01-13). "Noy to military: Protect people's right to choose leaders". Philippine Star. Archived from the original on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
6. ^ "Napolcom OKs promotion of Purisima to star rank". Philippine Star. 2012-11-16. Archived from the original on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
7. ^ Victor Reyes. "In 1986, a close-in aide; In 2011, an AFP chief of staff". Malaya. Archived from the original on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
8. ^ Norman Sison (2013-05-26). "PH defense companies fight for "buy Filipino"". Yahoo Philippines c/o VERA Files. Archived from the original on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
9. ^ "SRU conducts 3-Day CQB Training despite typhoon". Presidential Security Group. Archived from the original on 2013-06-13. Retrieved 2013-06-13.