PNP inks P474.6 million gun deal with Israel

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has secured P474.6 million worth of security and defense equipment from the Israeli government, which is expected to boost the firepower capability of the PNP.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas yesterday inked an agreement with Israel’s Ministry of Defense for the procurement of 13,457 basic assault rifles, 20 light machine guns and intelligence component for the PNP Secure, Mobile, Artificial Intelligence-Driven, Real Time or SMART policing program.

“The contract signing is a manifestation of our commitment to further equip our law enforcers with increased capability while working with world-renowned country producer of high-quality firearms and other defense equipment,” Sinas said in a statement.

He said the PNP saved around P107.7 million through a government-to-government agreement in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

“We have promised to the President that the PNP would not allow corruption to thrive under my leadership. We will be transparent with our transactions and we will use taxpayers’ money wisely,” Sinas said.

He cited as an example the assault rifles that the PNP obtained for P35,280 each, cheaper than the normal price of P42,000 to P87,000 per unit when conducted through public bidding.

The PNP is still working out the details for the delivery of the weapons, according to Sinas.

The Philippine National Police yesterday warned the public against a fake Facebook account using the name of PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas in fraudulent activities.

Sinas has ordered the Anti-Cybercrime Group to look into the case after the poser almost duped the widow of a police officer who died three years ago.

“The use of the chief PNP’s name, photos and other items appearing to be attributed to his person was a devious act by unscrupulous individuals using the social media to malign the PNP leadership,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said in a statement.

Usana said the poser asked the claimant an amount of cash for a fixer who would fast-track the death benefits of the policeman.

Probers are conducting investigation to unmask the people behind the fake Facebook account, Usana said.

He said the suspects would face charges for violating Republic Act 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Usana urged the public to be discerning and prudent before transacting with netizens posing as police officials on social media platforms.