Metro's SWAT units get new weapons, gear

MANILA, Philippines - The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were given new firearms and gear yesterday.

NCRPO chief Director Nicanor Bartolome said the new equipment and weapons include 440 Glock 9mm pistols, 379 armored ballistics vests, and 337 Kevlar helmets.

Bartolome said the new gear have been turned over to the directors of the Eastern, Northern, Southern, Manila and Quezon City Police Districts and the battalion commander of the NCRPO-Regional Public Safety Battalion.

Bartolome said the equipment, which came from the headquarters of the Philippine National Police at Camp Crame, will be a big boost to current capabilities of SWAT units in Metro Manila.

“It is important that our SWAT units get the proper equipment, but it is more important that the members have the proper skills, attitude and disposition,” he said.

Bartolome also stressed that the new equipment and gear were issued to the units and not to individual SWAT members.

“The equipment must remain with the unit. People will come and go, but the equipment will remain with the unit,” he said.