THE Philippine National Police (PNP) turned over assorted firearms and a patrol car to the different police units in the Central Visayas in line with the program of the government to upgrade their equipment.

The ceremony was held at the Police Regional Office (PRO 7) headquarters on Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City on Tuesday morning, March 21, 2023.

Major General Ronaldo Olay, director of the Directorate for Logistics in Camp Crame led the turnover of new firearms, which included 533 pieces of caliber 5.56 basic assault rifles Galil Ace 22n with 191,880 rounds of bullets, 300 pieces 9mm Rex Delta pistols, 10 5.56 caliber Negev light machine guns, and Toyota Hilux patrol car.

The weapons are intended for the PRO 7, Cebu City Police Office, Cebu Police Provincial Office, Lapu-lapu City Police Office, Mandaue City Police Office, Siquijor Police Provincial Office and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion.

Olay said another 50 caliber heavy machine guns are set to be turned over to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the PNP Maritime Group.

Negros Oriental had already received similar equipment when the higher police officials of Camp Crame visited the province and the PRO 7.

Olay said the weapons were bought in Israel and these were subjected to endurance field testing and evaluation.

“I would like to proudly tell you that these are the product of our national headquarters bids and awards committee procurement at yung mga baril na ito alam ba ninyu na bago natin in-accept, these firearms underwent field testing and evaluation, ibig sabihin dumaan ng 20,000 rounds continuous firing ibig sabihin matibay sya? (and do you know that these guns underwent 20,000 rounds of continuous firing, which means these are durable, before we accepted them?),” Olay said.

He urged the police officers who will be issued with this type of weapon to take care of it and not leave it anywhere to prevent it from getting lost.

Olay said treating their service weapons with the same respect and care as they treat their wives is part of the police training.

Camp Crame will monitor how these weapons are used. (AYB, TPT)