THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has acquired P784 million worth of new vehicles, guns and other equipment in a bid to improve operational capability especially in the provinces.
PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said these were funded by the Capability Enhancement Program of 2014 to 2019, which is being given on top of the annual budget for the PNP.
"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.
Police Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa, PNP deputy chief for operations, said that among the equipment procured were 95 units of 4x4 utility vehicles which will be deployed to Police Provincial Offices and City Police Offices to improve mobility.
He said the 10,000 units of Canik 9mm Pistol will be issued to newly recruited PNP personnel.
Part of the acquisition are 78 units of NEGEV Light Machine Gun, 3,684 units enhanced combat helmets 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.
Two new armored vehicles worth P11.9 million each were donated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to the PNP.
Albayalde said one will be deployed to Police Regional Office in Cagayan Valley (PRO 2) while the other will remain at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.
He said the PNP has been receiving P2 billion a year for its modernization project.
But for the last three years, Albayalde said they have already received a total of P22 billion. (VoxPop Philippines)