Day 4: PNP Special Action Force competes in UAE SWAT Challenge, finishes 15th overall

Team Philippines tested its mettle against the world’s best tactical units at the 2026 UAE SWAT Challenge, as the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) finished 15th overall on Day 4 of the competition in a field that drew elite squads from nearly 50 countries.

Representing the Philippines, the PNP-SAF Seaborne Unit amassed 342 points after completing the competition’s five core events: the Tactical Challenge, Assault Challenge, Officer Rescue, High Tower, and Obstacle Course. The Philippine contingent competed against 109 teams representing 48 nations.

Held February 7 to 11 at Al Ruwayyah Training City, the meet tested speed, precision, and teamwork through scenarios that included precision target shooting with multiple weapons, evacuation of heavy dummies, complex obstacle navigation, fast-rope descents, and time-pressured tactical assaults.

Kazakhstan dominated the standings, with its “C” and “A” teams taking first and second place, respectively, while Royal Thai Police “B” placed third. Russia’s Malakhit Team 3 and China Police Team A rounded out the top five, underscoring the depth of competition from Europe and Asia. China Police Team C finished sixth, followed by Rwanda National Police SWAT Team, Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security team, the Palestine Police Special Operation unit, and Royal Thai Police “A” to complete the top 10.

Just outside the top 10, the Oman Royal Police Special Operations Team placed 11th, followed by Kazakhstan “B” in 12th, Kazakhstan Tomiris in 13th, and China Police Team B in 14th, highlighting the depth of competition faced by lower-ranked finishers.

The Philippine delegation was led by Police Capt. Allen Dao-ines of Sagada and composed largely of officers from Cordillera: Police Master Sgt. Rickson Saggut of Tinglayan, Kalinga; Police Cpl. Bruceley Balao-as of Balbalan, Kalinga; Patrolman John Brendan Gammong of Pasil, Kalinga; Patrolman Kevin Quezon of Tinglayan, Kalinga; Police Cpl. Jerome Gacayen of Sadanga, Mountain Province; Police Cpl. Alexis Bismonte of Bauko, Mountain Province; Police Cpl. Sylvester Banguigui of Bauko, Mountain Province; and Patrolman Randall B. Tupac of Bauko, Mountain Province. The team was coached by Police Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Accad of Tinglayan, Kalinga.

Organizers said the annual event serves as a platform for international cooperation among rapid-intervention units from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, allowing teams to benchmark their capabilities against global standards.

For the Philippine contingent, officials said participation offered hard-earned experience and exposure that will be folded back into domestic training and operations.