City prepares assistance to police

THE Iloilo City Government is preparing all necessary documents for the purchase of equipment to be used by the city police force.

City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog signed on Monday the necessary documents for the procurement of police equipment amounting to P3.5 million, included in the 2011 regular city budget.

Mabilog said the city will purchase six MK long firearms to be used by the Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) team, 20 caliber 45 short firearms, three back-to-back vehicles and two to three closed circuit television cameras for the traffic system to deter commission of street crimes.

Next year, another package of police assistance will be delivered by the City Government, Mabilog said.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Marietto Valerio said he is happy with the mayor’s assistance. The police chief assured the police forces will do their best in ensuring peace and order in the city.

The city is helping ease police burden, since as of the moment, the ratio is one policeman for every 1,000 population.

The ideal ratio must be one policeman for every 500 persons, Valerio said. (Lydia C. Pendon)