History of RTS9

Regional Training School 9

            The  Regional Training School 9 was established in February 1994, then known as the Regional Training Center 9 of the Philippine Public Safety College. As a result of Republic Act 6975 or “The DILG Act of 1990”, Regional Training School 9 became the modern product of the series of evolution throughout its function as a pedagogical institution for military and law enforcement personnel during and beyond the years of the first quarter storm.

            Camp Felicisimo T. Marcos - Home of Regional Training School 9, The Melting Pot of Public Safety Officers in Western Mindanao.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

            In January 20, 1970, the then Police Commission western Mindanao Regional Academy started the first infrastructure development at the 4.8 hectare property of the city government  of Zamboanga. In January of the following year the first batch of the Police Basic Course or the PBC with 24 student-trainees were accommodated by the academy headed by Mr. Eligio G. Rivera of the PoliceCommission as Chief Training Officer or CTO. Rivera remained as CTO up to November 30, 1971 and later became an officer of the Integrated National Police. He retired as a Police Colonel.

            On September 24, 1972, three days after the declaration of P.D. 1081 or “Martial Law” , the Police Commission was renamed National Police Commission and the academy became known as the Napolcom Western Mindanao Regional Academy. The Institute was eventually led by Atty. Eusebio Remigio from January 1, 1972 to April 15, 1973, after a one-month stint of Mr. Manuel Ronda in December of 1971 as its CTO.

            Armed struggle by Moro secessionist in Mindanao forced the closure of the academy from April 16, 1973 until he end of December of the same year.

RESUMPTION AND HIBERNATION

            On June 1, 1974, Atty. Remigio was reappointed to head the academy and was its CTO up to December 31, 1975. The integration of the police force into the Philippine Constabulary on August 8, 1975 resulted into the absorption of the Police Training Branch of Napolcom and all its regional Police Academics throughout the country into the Integrated National Police. The academy was renamed 9^th Regional Police Training Center and later again renamed 9^th regional Police Training Center and later again renamed as the INP Regional Training Center, Region IX on June 28, 1978. As an INP entity, its first Commander was later appointed Police Major and remained as Commandant until June 30, 1980. From July 1, 1980 to October 15, 1991, the school remained under the longest serving Commandant in its history-Police Colonel Dionisio B. Coloma, Jr. he was last to head the school in its incumbency as a PC-INP until RTC 9 was eventually deactivated in October 16, 1991 pursuant to General Order Numbers 1299.

FROM RTC9 TO RTS9

            In November 21, 1993, RTC9 re-emerged through Department Order Number 93-28 of the DILG Police Chief Inspector Mario S. Fermindoza was designated Commandant effective November 22, 1993. In 1996, RTC9 became known as the present-day Regional Training School 9. in June of 1997, RTS 9 came under the administration of Police Chief Inspector Edwin M. Diocos as its Commandant and successfully accommodated the first batch of the MNLF-PNP Integrees.

            In July 1, 1998, Police Superintendent Ramon g. Sawan, assumed the leadership of RTS9 and was the very first to be designated as its Regional Training Director. Police Superintendent Sawan spearheaded the concept to professionalize police training through the Self-Winding Training Approach and has coupled theoretical training principles with the constant upgrading of RTS9 facilities and equipments required to keep up with the demands in law enforcement pedagogy. To this date, Police Superintendent Sawan with able support of PPSC, continues to lead RTS9 to greater heights in the development of RTS9, its personnel and more importantly its students.

THE SEAL

            Surrounding more than half of the upper part of the seal is the name of the Philippine Public Safety College of which the Regional Training School 9 is a part of. Surrounding part of the lower portion of the seal is the school’s acronym with laurels on both sides as a sign of its distinct tradition of excellence.

            The seal also carries with it the Philippine tri-color along with the three stars which refers to Philippine sovereignty over the three main islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

            The Moro Vinta in the middle depicts the diverse cultural communities that RTS9 serves. The giant claim that houses an opened book symbolizes the value of education in south western Philippines while the torch expresses vigilance for continued growth in knowledge enlightened and idealism. The seals of the three Public Safety Services are also included as the very clientele of RTS9.