Helping hand

CCPO, Swat personnel to receive ballistic vests, ammunition from Cebu City

Councilor David Tumulak, who is deputy mayor for police matters, says the request was made last March by former CCPO director Benjamin Santos Jr. The P15.2-million appropriation for the purchase will include the procurement of 60 M16 rifles Acting City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo certifies that the City has enough funds for the purchase

AS A measure to maintain peace and order, the Cebu City Council authorized last week the purchase of P15.2 million worth of ammunition and equipment for the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and the Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat).

In his approved resolution last week, Councilor David Tumulak said there is a need to provide them with ammunition and equipment so they can perform their duties well.

“With minimal supplies in ammunition, the CCPO and SWAT are in dire need of logistical support to equip the PNP personnel in maintaining peace and order in the city,” he said.

The councilor, who is deputy mayor for police matters, said the request was made last March by former CCPO director Benjamin Santos Jr.

While the request was approved by former mayor Michael Rama, the purchase was not made following some changes in the 2016 supplemental budget.

Of the P15.2 million, P10.8 million will be used to cover the procurement of 60 M16 rifles.

Morale-boosting

This will also cover the funding for 60 level three ballistic vests worth P2.9 million.

This will also include P1.4 million that will be used to buy 60 level three ballistic helmets used as protective gear in operations.

Acting City Treasurer Tessie Camarillo confirmed that the City Government has enough funds for the purchase.

Meanwhile, CCPO Director Joel Doria said the additional equipment will be a big help, especially in their numerous anti-drug operations.

“This will raise the morale of our men and women in the force because the bulletproof vests and guns will help protect them in our campaign against criminality,” because that’s our protection),” Doria told Sun. star Cebu in Tagalog.

The CCPO has more than 1,300 cops operating in different units and 11 police stations. RTF/JOB