THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has acquired new vehicles and equipment worth P1.8 billion to further boost the firepower, mobility, communication and investigative capabilities of its operating units.
Among the newly-acquired equipment which was presented by PNP chief Oscar Albayalde during a ceremony in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City were two single-engine helicopters, 107 units Patrol Jeep 4x2 single cab, 349 125cc motorcyles, 5,000 Striker Fired 9mm pistols, 4,000 Striker Fired 9mm pistols, 42 7.62mm MG3 light machine guns, 3,045 waistcoat vests level 3A with upgrade plate Level IV, 11,084 enhanced combat helmets, 124 units of tactical radio and 48 Explosive Detection Dogs (EDDs).
These will be sent to various police offices within the week for use during the midterm elections on Monday, May 13.
Albayalde said the equipment were acquired under the PNP Capability Enhancement Program from 2014 until 2018.
“The PNP Capability Enhancement Program aims to provide for and enhance the basic operational requirements of every PNP unit, especially the Municipal and City Police Stations, Regional Public Safety Battalions, Provincial Public Safety Companies and National Support Units,” he said.
Albayalde said the helicopters will be assigned to the PNP Special Action Force primarily to support internal security, law enforcement and public safety operations of PNP units in Mindanao and Visayas.
He said they are expecting the arrival of four more newly-procured helicopters in June and October while another three will be delivered next year.
The PNP chief said they aim to provide a helicopter to each police regional office, as President Rodrigo Duterte wishes.
Albayalde said the combat helmets, tactical radios, body armor, sidearms, motorcycles and patrol vehicles will address the shortage of these equipment among the line units.
The light machine guns, on the other hand, will be given to the Maritime Group to arm its newly-acquired fleet of high speed tactical watercraft for police maritime patrol operations in the coastal areas.
Albayalde said by the end of 2019, all PNP personnel will have their own issued short firearm. (SunStar Philippines)