Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. will donate new anti-crime equipment to the Manila Police District in time for the inauguration of the MPD’s modernized District Tactical Operations Center (DTOC) and the launching of the police district’s CityWatch service.
Razon, who had twice assumed the post of MPD chief – from 1996 to 1998 and 1999 to 2001 – will give the donation during tomorrow’s early morning program at the MPD headquarters.
The donation consists of a sniper’s kit bag, M-16 sniper rifle with scope, 20-round magazine, 40 rounds of 5.56 Ball M193, binoculars, range finder, two sniper’s veils, sniper lousy hat, rifle sling, two Kevlar helmets, four helmet covers, two anti-riot helmets, eight bullet-proof vests, two pairs of gloves, two snap links, knee and elbow protectors, gas mask, two tactical rigs, five magazine pouches, tactical gear holster, rope and four kit bags.
Razon is expected to state the reason why the MPD was chosen as the first recipient of the anti-crime equipment among other police districts in Metro Manila.
The DTOC, which receives calls for police assistance and dispatches police vehicles, underwent a complete renovation and modernization under the leadership of MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales, who had assumed the post last Sept. 24.
With the new system, MPD personnel can immediately view on a digital map the location of reported incidents and dispatch the nearest available police vehicle. All MPD patrol vehicles have been equipped with global positioning system (GPS) devices that automatically report their location every minute
The MPD’s GPS system, which is Rosales’ brainchild, is the first in all police districts in the country. If mobile cars are not available, policemen on foot patrol have been equipped with new handheld radios to be in touch with the DTOC.
Under the CityWatch service, residents and commercial establishments can be part of the MPD’s system by purchasing GPS tracking devices, wireless alarm systems, wireless panic buttons, and wireless digital video recorders. Once included in the system, the alarm devices automatically notify dispatchers of incidents such as break-ins or robberies in progress.
Aside from Razon, National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Geary Barias, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and prominent business personalities will grace tomorrow’s ceremony. – Nestor Etolle