THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has acquired brand new equipment worth P1.62 billion in a bid to boost its operational, intelligence and administrative capabilities.
Among the equipment acquired under the PNP modernization program were 387 patrol jeep (4x2) single cabs, 176 unmarked light transport vehicles, 9 marked light transport vehicles, 41 brand new vans, 138 rubber boats, 313 basic assault rifles, 320 units of 5.56 mm light machine gun, 231 units of 7.62 mm light machine gun, 160 units of base radio, 6,440 undershirt vests, 3,666 units of 5.56 mm NATO magazine and 48 explosive detection dogs.
Acquisition of these items was financed by the P6.4-billion budget for the modernization program.
"The Philippine National Police is deeply grateful to our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is always there to support us leading to the unprecedented improvement and capability enhancement of the police force. This is also a vital move for the organization to accomplish our mission and functions," PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said during the blessing and presentation of the said equipments in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
“The newly-acquired police equipment will steer and enhance operational readiness and personal protection during police operations in the flagship campaign of the national government against terrorism, illegal drugs, and criminality,” he added.
Albayalde said the 387 units of Patrol Jeeps, 59 units of marked light transport vehicle and 6,440 units of Undershirt Vest Level IIIA will be distributed to various police stations nationwide.
The PNP Special Action Force (SAF) and Mobile Forces on the other hand will get the 320 7.62mm Light Machine Gun units, 231 units of 5.56mm Light Machine Gun, 313 Basic Assault Rifles, 160 Base radios, and 3,666 units of NATO magazines.
The 138 units of inflatable rubber boats will go to the Maritime Group, Regional Mobile Forces and SAF.
Meanwhile, 176 units of unmarked light transport vehicle and 41 units of unmarked brand new van will be earmarked to the PNP administrative, intelligence, and investigation units and offices across the country, said Albayalde. (SunStar Philippines)