Chapter 5

CRISIS MANAGEMENT

 Crisis came from the Greek word Krisis, which means “to decide”.

Crisis is turning points in the progress of an affair or a series of events.

 Emergency came from the Latin word “emergentia” meaning a dipping or plunging.

Emergency is a sudden condition or state of affair calling for immediate action.

Crisis Management

This refers to the expert handling of a crisis or emergency, with the aim of reducing or
eliminating danger or damage, especially on the part of the government.

Purpose of Crisis Management

SALVARI VITAS- the main goal of crisis management; it means to “to save lives”.

Two Types of Crisis/ Emergencies

1. Man- made Crisis/Emergencies

a) Civil Disturbance
i. Labor strikes/ demonstrations
ii. Riots
iii. Anarchy- lawless disorder in the country
iv. Welga ng Bayan
b) Revolt
i. Mutiny
ii. Insurrection
iii. Coup d’ etat
c) Revolution
d) Border incident
e) War
i. Conventional
ii. Nuclear
f) Kidnapping
g) Hijacking
i. Air
ii. Sea
iii. Land
 h) Hostage taking
i) Terrorist Activities
i. Bombing
ii. Assassination
iii. Extortion
iv. Intimidation
j) Attacks/ raids on government vital installations/ facilities

[MAIN CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; National Peace and Order Council (NPOC)]

2. Natural Crisis/ Emergencies

a) Fire
b) Fuel shortage
c) Pestilence
d) Floods
e) Typhoons
f) Marine/ air collapse
g) Volcanic eruption
h) Earthquake
i) Tidal wave
j) Drought

MAIN CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)

THE FOUR P’s OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT

The 4P of crisis management model is envisioned to address crisis situations in phases the
proactive and the Reactive Phase in four stages: Prediction, Prevention, Preparation and Performance.

Two Phases of Crisis Management

1. Pro- active Phase

This phase is designed to predict or prevent the probability of occurrence of crisis at the
same time prepared to handle them when they occur. It compasses the first 3 Ps of the Crisis
Management Model.

1st Prediction
This stage involves foretelling of the like hood of crisis occurring either natural or man-
made through the continuous assessment of all possible threat and threat groups as well as
the analysis of developing or reported events and incidents.
 Prediction includes:
a) Updating of inputs- threat
b) Intelligence about possible threat
c) Know possible targets and know the vulnerabilities

2nd Prevention

This stage involves the institution of passive and active security measures, as well as
the remedy or solution of establishing factors and or security flaws leading to such crisis
emergencies.

Prevention includes:

a) Operation security
b) Personnel security
c) Physical security and the like

3rd Prepare

Preparation for crisis/ emergencies entails:

a) Planning
b) Organization
c) Training and
d) Stockpiling of equipment and supplies needed for such crisis emergencies.

2. The Reactive Phase

Reactive phase is the performance of the crisis management plan when a crisis
situation occurs despite the proactive effort.

4th Performance

The objectives in this stage are to ensure a high probability of success in neutralizing the
perpetrators; to minimize, or cushion the adverse effects of the crisis incidents and to ensure a smooth
and speedy rehabilitation or return to normalcy.

Three sub- stages

Stage 1. Initial Action

All unit commanders are required to understand and acquaint themselves on crisis
management doctrine. As such, they will be held responsible for all their actions. Any military
 police unit taking cognizance of a crisis incident shall immediately undertake appropriate
actions to contain the crisis situation and report the matter to the cognizant agencies through
channels, regardless whether such crisis situation is within or beyond its capability to handle.

The initial action includes:

a) Monitoring of the progress of the incident

b) Securing the scene, protecting itself by establishing perimeter security.
c) Evacuating innocent civilians if possible, and
d) Preventing escape of the perpetrators, until the designated security and tactical
elements/ units augmented or until they arrive.

Stage 2. Action

The action phase begins as soon as the On-Scene Command Post is established and
followed by the deployment of:

a) The Tactical/ Intervention Unit (SWAT/ SAF)

b) Service Support Units
c) Negotiation teams, and
d) The arrival of Public affairs Personnel

The On- Scene- Commander gradually relieves the initial action, unit commander and
complete staffing of the OSCP. The OSC discusses the incident with the commanders and staff
the units and agencies involved and plans what action to take and established positive contact
with Crisis Management Committee (CMC) to ensure all his succeeding actions are cleared.

Who are Tactical unit?

Comprised of regular military or police placed under the operational command of On- Scene
Commander (OSC). Examples are: SWAT, SAF, and specially trained military elite group.

Who are Support units?

According to Manwong, these are units that provide the necessary administrative, operational
and logistics support of the OSC such as:

a) Intelligence
b) Communication team
c) Logistics team
d) Medical team
 e) Fire fighting team
f) Investigative personnel assigned to OSC
g) Legal/ Investigation Team

Two Distinct Activities on the Action Phase

1. Negotiation
2. Tactical/ Intervention Action

Stage 3. Post Action

This stage begins as soon as:
a) The perpetrators surrender
b) Perpetrators captured or neutralized, and
c) The crisis situation is deemed cleared.

The On- Scene Commander ensures that necessary Post Action activities are
undertaken to restore normalcy and bring those responsible to court.

The On- Scene commander shall ensure the accomplishment of the following:

a) Protection of the incident scene

b) Investigation of the incident and preservation of evidence
c) Documentation
d) Identify witnesses, hostage, perpetrators and other participants of the incident,
e) Reserved recovered evidences
f) Written report
g) Filing and prosecution of cases
h) Damage compensation and rehabilitation

TERRORIST BASED CRISIS MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

1. Predict
The first and foremost concern of crisis management is to be able to predict the like
hood of crisis occurring through the continuous gathering/ updating of inputs and analysis of
the threat. The inputs consist basically of intelligence and events.
2. Intelligence
 This involves collection, evaluation, processing updating and discrimination of
information obtained from a possible source. Intelligence for crisis management may be
categorized as strategic, tactical and operational.
3. Events
All significant information on events/ incidents which could have a bearing on the types
of crisis herein addressed or date obtained during occurrence of similar incidents or actual
crisis, serve as inputs which can facilitate analysis necessary for the identification of probable
threat groups and targets, or formulating preventive measures, security procedures and
probable course of action when similar incident occur.
4. Threat Analysis
AFP/ PNP units must be able to identify the threat, its nature, characteristics,
operational capabilities and probable targets and know their own vulnerabilities so that steps
can be taken to keep a potential threat from becoming reality.
5. Threat Groups

Categories of Threat Groups

a. Political Terrorist
These are ideologically- inspired individuals or groups. They want prestige and power
for a collective goal or higher cause. Many of its members have intensive criminal backgrounds.
b. Criminals
These are people who commit terrorist act for personal rather than ideological gain.
Some of their terroristic acts such as kidnapping or extortion are planned.
c. Mentally Deranged Individuals
These people commit terrorist acts during period of psychiatric disturbance.
d. Religious extremist
Mainly belonging to Southern Religious Fundamentals. Intolerant of other faiths, they
are apt to execute hostages belonging to other religions.
e. Economically Motivated Groups/ Individuals
Mainly belonging to labor groups. depending on their ideological orientations,
motivation and long- standing situation, recourse to violence may be resorted to for many
reasons favourable to them.

TERRORIST TACTICS

1. Bombing Tactics
Delivery to target done through:
 a. Vehicle bombs- booby trapped vehicles with attached devices and car bombs.
b. Laid charges- bombs placed y hands
c. Projected bombs- bombs thrown by hands, launched from rifles, or projected by a mortar
device.
d. Postal/ mail bombs- bombs sent through letters, parcels and other items sent by mail.

Activation Means:

a. Command activation- by radio, electric leads pull wire, or mechanical strikers.

b. Action by the subject/ Target- trip wire, pressure device, light sensitive device, electric
switch.
c. Time Delay- clock, burning, fuse, chemical delay, atmosphere pressure.
2. Arson
This is used to destroy or disrupt targets such as public utilities, political headquarters,
economic and industrial facilities.
3. Hijacking
Terrorist hijack vehicles with supply ammunitions, fuel, cargoes. Hijacked legitimate
vehicles provide the terrorist an easy means to approach or gained entry to a close military
installation.
Skyjacking of commercial aircraft on the other hand, guarantees publicity for the
terrorist.
4. Assassination/ Liquidation
This is the oldest but still the most widely used terrorist tactic. Targets are often
predictable, and invariably, the terrorist will claim responsibility for the assassination.
5. Ambush
This is a well- planned, generally well thought- out, properly and precisely executed
operation. The terrorist have time on his side and will spend considerable time preparing for an
operation. Terrorists have an advantage in that they can choose their time and place of
operation.
6. Kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom is that most common form of this tactic. The victim is normally
confined in secret; hideaway and the kidnapper make demands.
7. Hostage Taking
The hostage taker confronts the authorities and openly holds the victim for ransom. His
demands are often more than just material in nature political concessions is frequently
demanded in exchange for the hostages lives.
8. Robbery/ Extortion
 Terrorist operations are expensive. To help finance their activities terrorist rob and
armoured vehicles and persons carrying large sums cash.
9. Progressive taxation
The progressive taxation scheme of the CPP/ NPA is a form of extortion through
coercion or use of force against the victim or his property.
10. Raids/ Attacks
Target may not necessarily be vital. Isolated or large one, what is important is the raid/
attack will attract public/ media attention.

HOSTAGE SITUATION

 Hostage- A hostage is a person or entity which is held by a captor.

 Hostage Taker- a person or party who seize or hostage is known as hostage taker.
 Hostage Negotiation- a mutual discussion between authorities and a hostage taker of
barricaded offender leading to an agreement concerning the release of hostages or the
surrender of the offender.

Time

Time is the most important factor working for the police. As a general rule, Dr. Scholssberg
notes:

“The more time the felon spends with the hostage, the less likely he is to take the hostage’s life, because they
become acquainted and develop feelings for one another”

Three Negotiating Team

Generally, the negotiations team consists of at least three main negotiators. Each team
member plays a vital role in the successful resolution of critical incidents.

1. Primary negotiator- actually communicates with the subject.

2. Secondary (backup) Negotiator- assist the primary negotiator by offering advice, monitoring
the negotiations, keeping notes, and ensuring that the primary negotiator sees and hears
everything in the proper perspective.
3. Third Negotiator- the intelligence negotiator interviews persons associated with the suspect to
compile a criminal history of mental illness, as well as to gather other relevant information.

Seven Negotiating Team

 This number is not absolute but it may be the ideal. The reason seven negotiators are utilized
is that two are needed as communicators- one member, is the primary communicator whose
responsibility it is to establish rapport and voice identification with the felon, and the second member
assist in developing pattern of questions, analyzes the entire situation, and communicates with the
command post- and the other five members are assigned as follows:

1. As reliefs
2. As secondary negotiators, should the first team be unsuccessful at establishing rapport.
3. To operate escape and chase vehicles, if necessary, and
4. To function as a containment team at a new location, should the felon move the hostage.

Only the Police should negotiate

Often, well meaning civilians offer to negotiate with subjects. Sometimes these civilians insist
that they be allowed to negotiate. A wide range of individuals- from parents, spouses, and lovers to
friends, members of the clergy, attorneys, counsellors, and mental health professionals- might offer to
do the talking. As a general rule, direct civilian participation in negotiations is entirely unacceptable.
The tactical negotiations process is a police operation.

Rule 26. HOSTAGE SITUATION/BARRICADED SITUATIONS

SECTION 1. Procedure to be followed in a Hostage Situation

The following steps shall be undertaken:

a. A Crisis Management Task Group shall be activated immediately.
b. Incident scene shall be secured and isolated.
c. Unauthorized persons shall not be allowed entry and exit to the incident scene.
d. Witnesses’ names, addresses, and other information shall be recorded. Witnesses
shall be directed to a safe location.
SECTION 2. Ground Commander

SECTION 3. Negotiators
Negotiators shall be designated by the Ground Commander. No one shall be allowed to
talk to the hostage-taker without clearance from the negotiator or Ground Commander.

SECTION 4. Assault Team

An assault team shall be alerted for deployment in case the negotiation fails. Members
of the assault team shall wear authorized and easily recognizable uniform during the conduct
of the operation.
SECTION 5. Assault Plan
The assault shall be planned to ensure minimal threat to life for all parties.

SECTION 6. Support Personnel

An ambulance with medical crew and a fire truck shall be detailed at the incident area.

SECTION 7. Coordination

Proper coordination with all participating elements shall be done to consolidate efforts
in solving the crisis.

SECTION 8. Safety of Hostage(s)

In negotiating for the release of a hostage, the safety of the hostage shall always be
paramount.

SECTION 9. Guidelines during Negotiations

a. Situation must be stabilized first and contained before the start of the
negotiation;
b. Do not introduce outsiders (non-law enforcement officers) into the negotiation
process, unless their presence is extremely necessary in the solution of the crisis. If so
introduced, they shall be properly advised on the do’s and don’ts of hostage negotiations; and
c. Police officers without proper training shall not be allowed to participate in hostage
negotiations.

STOCKHOLM SYNDROME

This is a term used to describe a paradoxical psychological phenomenon wherein hostages

express adulation and have positive feelings towards their captors that appear irrational in light of the
danger or risk endured by the victims.

The syndrome is named after the Norrmalmstorg robbery of Kreditbanken at Norrmalmstorg in

Stockholm, in which the bank robbers held bank employees hostage from Aug. 23 to Aug. 28, 1973.
The victims became emotionally attached to their captors, and even defended them after they were
freed from their six- day ordeal.

It was coined by the criminologist and psychiatrist Nils Bejerot, who assisted the police during
the robbery and referred to the syndrome in a news broadcast. It was originally defined by psychiatrist
Frank Ochberg to aid the management of hostage situations.

LIMA SYNDROME
 An inverse of Stockholm Syndrome called “Lima Syndrome” has been proposed, in which
abductors develop sympathy for their hostages.

LONDON SYNDROME

Other thought of this syndrome which exhibits the opposite characteristics of the Stockholm
syndrome. A negative syndrome that may occur during hostage situation in which harmful and
negative feeling is developed by the hostage taker against the hostage. Therefore, there are great
chances on the part of the hostage taker of killing his/ her hostage.