The United States government has donated around $3.3 million worth of modern equipment to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in a bid to further improve the operational capability of the police anti-terrorism efforts.
Police Maj. Gen. Ronnie Olay, head of the PNP Directorate for Logistics, described the equipment donated as state-of-the art, adding that they will significantly enhance the PNP’s capabilities in detecting, preventing, and responding to terrorist threats in the country.
The donated equipment include 31 Bomb Suits, 37 Digital SCANX, 40 X-Ray Sources, 10 EOD Bomb Suit Batteries, 33 High-Risk Search Techniques Kits, 13 Seeker-e Kits. Also donated were seven pick-up trucks.
They were turned over to the Regional Explosives Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (RECU) of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
"We are extremely grateful for this donation, which will undoubtedly be a game-changer in our ability to fulfill our mission to keep our communities safe from terrorism and other forms of criminality. This donation also highlights the strong partnership between the Philippine National Police and the American embassy, and we are deeply appreciative of this gesture of support from our American allies," said Olay.
The turnover ceremony was attended by Her Excellency MaryKay L. Carlson, Ambassador of the United States of America at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
Carlson, for his part, stressed the US government’s commitment to supporting the Philippines in its fight against terrorism.
“The United States remains steadfast in its friendship and commitment to the Government of the Philippines, and we are very proud of our continuing partnership in the fight against terrorism,” said Carlson.
“I am confident that working together, we will be able to deter, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism,” he added.
Police Col. Albert Magno, acting director, PNP EOD/K9 Group, the end-user of the donated equipment, assured the public that the equipment will be put to good use from the threat of terrorism.
At the event, the PNP EOD/K9 Group exhibited their proficiency in handling explosive devices and identifying prohibited substances through the utilization of expertly trained K9s and other operational robotics machinery.
The Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) provides antiterrorism equipment and training to law enforcement agencies of partner nations globally. With its establishment in 1983, ATA has trained over 150,000 first responders and law enforcement officials from more than 150 countries in counterterrorism tactics.
The ATA support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) began in 1986, when the ATA program was created by the US government to provide antiterrorism training and equipment to law enforcement agencies of partner nations throughout the world.
Since then, the ATA program has been instrumental in enhancing the PNP's capabilities in counterterrorism and other law enforcement operations through the provision of various forms of assistance, including training, technical assistance, and equipment donations.