PNP acquires P1.8-B equipment for operations

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has acquired P1.8 billion worth of equipment and bomb-sniffing dogs to boost its operational capabilities in time for the midterm elections.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde yesterday presented the equipment to the public at the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

Albayalde said the new sets of equipment were acquired through the PNP’s capability enhancement program from 2016 to 2019 for which the Duterte administration earmarked P21.1 billion.

“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 at a press briefing.

Albayalde is hoping most of the equipment will be delivered within the week to the assigned territorial units in time for the midterm elections on May 13.

“For far areas particularly Mindanao, we cannot promise to meet the deadline but in other areas, we can transport by land starting today (Monday) until Friday,” he said.

A total of 23,801 pieces of equipment are included in the latest batch, including two single Airbus H125 helicopters which will be given to the Special Action Force (SAF) to support internal security and the law enforcement and public safety operations of police forces in the Visayas and Mindanao.

“The President wants at least one helicopter per region and two in the National Capital Region,” Albayalde said.

To boost their anti-terrorism capabilities, the PNP also acquired 48 explosive detection dogs.

Also included are 107 patrol jeeps, 349 units of 125cc motorcycles, 9,000 9mm caliber pistols, 42 7.62 caliber MG3 light machine guns, 3,045 waistcoat vests, 11,084 combat helmets and 124 tactical radios.

Albayalde said the PNP units in critical areas in the midterm elections, including those under the control of the Commission on Elections, will be prioritized in the equipment distribution.