By Aaron Recuenco
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has acquired some P784 million worth of vehicles, guns, and other combat equipment as part of its effort to improve its operational capability especially in the provinces.
Photo from PNP-PIO/ MANILA BULLETIN
PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said that the fund used was sourced from the Capability Enhancement Program which is being given on top of the annual budget for the police.
“These equipment are expected to enhance the basic operational requirements of PNP units, especially city and municipal police stations, public safety battalions and company, and national support units,” said Albayalde.
Among those procured were 95 units of 4x4 utility vehicles that will be issued to Police Provincial Headquarters and City Police Offices to fill up mobility assets, according to Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, deputy chief for Operations of the PNP who also served as the chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee.
He said some 10,000 units of Canik 9mm Pistol were also procured and will be issued to the newly recruited PNP personnel. Seventy-eight units of NEGEV Light Machine Gun were also procured.
Part of the procurement were the 3,684 units Enhanced Combat Helmet and 2,255 units Tactical Vest.
“They will be distributed to police mobile forces along with 568,226 rounds of 9mm ammunition,” said Gamboa.
“The procurement is part of the continuing effort of the PNP leadership and the national government to enhance the firepower, mobility, communication, and investigative capabilities of PNP operating units,” he added.
The PNP has been receiving P2 billion a year for its modernization program. But for the last three years, Albayalde said they already received P22 billion.