PNP acquires P1.23 billion equipment

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday acquired P1.23 billion worth of equipment that is expected to boost the mobility, firepower and operational capabilities of its units on the ground.

PNP chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan, who witnessed the blessing of the equipment at Camp Crame in Quezon City, said the latest acquisitions would help police officers in the performance of their duties.

“These will go a long way in further enhancing the mobility and operational capabilities of our units and will further provide more efficient and effective police service to the communities,” he said in a speech.

The purchase was sourced from the Capability Enhancement Program (CEP) for 2019 and 2020.

Leading the list of purchased equipment are 355 patrol jeeps with a total worth of P397.6 million, earmarked for municipal police stations across the country to boost the government’s campaign against communist rebels.

Aside from patrol jeeps, the PNP also acquired 11 shuttle buses, 22 high-speed tactical watercraft, 5,787 Galil Ace 5.56 assault rifles and 214 VHF lowband handheld radios for the Maritime Group, Special Action Force, Communications and Electronics Service and police mobile forces.

“This is an expression of the national government’s timely response to the needs of the PNP,” Cascolan said.

The PNP also obtained two coasters and a cargo shuttle worth P8.7 million, which were donated by the Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association Inc.