By Aaron Recuenco
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has so far raised P69.1 million through donations of its uniformed personnel and civilian employees to the Team PNP Bayanihan Fund Challenge.
Philippine National Police (MANILA BULLETIN)
The fund campaign seeks to augment the national government’s cash subsidy and social amelioration programs to assist the poor families affected by the enhanced community quarantine measures.
Maj. Gen. Benigno Durana, Jr., head of the directorate for police community relations, said they expect more donations in the coming days as he expressed optimism that the P200 million goal would be achieved.
The PNP has a personnel strength of close to 200,000 police officers, excluding civilian employees.
PNP Chief Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier launched the fund campaign in a bid to augment the funds that would be distributed to the poorest of the poor families.
He said the project was in response to President Duterte’s call for all sectors to help. Citing the blessings obtained by policemen through substantial salary increases obtained previously, Gamboa said this is the time to give back.
Gamboa said that the fund campaign is purely voluntary and that PNP officers and personnel are not required to donate.
"More than (performing our duties), this is our golden opportunity to selflessly share, provide social and moral support and economic relief to our fellow Filipinos who belong to the poorest of the poor," said Gamboa. (Aaron Recuenco)