Kalinga, Mt. Province cops ranked 14th of 117 in 2026 UAE SWAT Challenge

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Cordilleran police officers from Kalinga and Mountain Province elevated the country’s standing in the elite UAE SWAT Challenge after placing 14th in the competition’s 7th edition—a significant leap from their 25th-place finish last year.

The UAE SWAT Challenge is an international tactical competition among the world’s top SWAT units, where teams compete in five challenge categories at Dubai’s SWAT Training Facility. The challenges test and showcase participants’ tactical skills, mental focus, and physical endurance.

During the 7th edition held from February 7 to 11, eight Igorot members of the Special Action Force (SAF) represented the country and competed against 117 teams from 53 countries. The team was composed of PCpt. Allen Dao-ines of Sagada (team leader); PMSgt. Rickson Saggut of Tinglayan; PCpl. Bruceley Balao-as of Balbalan; Pat. Kevin Quezon of Tinglayan; PCpl. Jerome Gacayen of Sadanga; PCpl. Alexis Bismonte of Bauko; PCpl. Sylvester Banguigui of Bauko; and Pat. Randall B. Tupac of Bauko. The delegation was coached by PSMSgt. Jonathan Accad, who also hails from Tinglayan.

In the five-day event, the Cordilleran officers earned a total of 435 points, placing 14th overall.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Alfonso A. Ver, who welcomed the delegation earlier this month, commended the team’s dedication and professionalism.

“Your commitment to excellence in the service of the nation has been consistently demonstrated and will undoubtedly be reflected in your discipline, teamwork, and performance in this prestigious competition,” the ambassador was quoted as saying.

On February 18, 2026, upon their return to the country, the Philippine team paid a courtesy visit to PNP Chief, PGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.