PNP to buy helicopters

MANILA, Philippines – Modern helicopters will be acquired by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of the P10-billion modernization fund approved by President Arroyo.

The helicopters will be equipped with the following:

• A Global Positioning System (GPS),

• A 15- to 20-million candlepower searchlight,

• Infrared sensors,

• Zoom color television cameras,

• A fold-down monitor mount,

• A digital recorder, and

• A dual audio controller and other standard features.

Commissioner Celia Sanidad-Leones said National Police Commission (Napolcom) Resolution No. 2008-260 prescribes the standard specifications for a Light Police Operational Helicopter.

These will be added to the existing Rotary Wing Inventory of the national police force for use of the Air Unit, Special Action Force, she added.

Leones said the helicopters will be deployed to augment police visibility in key cities to counter advanced technology being used by criminals.

The PNP Uniform and Equipment Standardization Board (UESB) has favorably submitted and endorsed the standard specifications for the Light Police Operational Helicopter for approval of Napolcom, she added.  – Michael Punongbayan