Cops receive new guns, equipment

THE Northern Mindanao police received new equipment like firearms and bullets over the weekend to boost its capability to withstand attacks from threat groups and to help them effectively go after criminal elements.

Superintendent Lemuel Gonda, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Northern Mindanao, said this is part of the regular requisition of new equipment from the national headquarters in Camp Crame.

On Sunday, December 17, PRO-Northern Mindanao director Chief Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb turned over a utility truck to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) and new firearms and ammunition to the different police offices in the region.

Also handed over were 32 units of SMG rifle, caliber 9mm Tavor X95; 160 magazines and nearly 12,000 rounds of CTG 9mm; and other accessories.

Gonda said the newly issued guns will be fairly distributed to the different police offices particularly for special units and the RMFB.

RMFB is the former Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB).

"Gi-request nato na kay from time to time naa man ta requisition bahinan man gyud ta ana sa Camp Crame (We requested for it because we have requisition from time to time and Camp Crame always reserves these items for us)," Gonda said.

"Sa special unit ra ni like sa Swat kay dili man maapod tanan. Maayo ni para makaaway ang kapolisan sa mga daotang elemento (This is only for special units like Swat because it cannot be accommodated to every policeman. It is good because our personnel can fight hard against bad elements)," Gonda added.

Pacleb said the ordnance will be used by policemen in combating terrorism, insurgency and in responding to any eventuality especially in crime prone areas.

Pacleb added he wants the law enforcers in the field to be equipped to counter the armed terrorist group and those who commit crimes.

"They must use their guns primarily to safeguard the public," Pacleb said.