PNP acquires P1.6-B equipment

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has beefed up its operational capability with the acquisition of P1.6 billion worth of equipment.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde yesterday presented the equipment to the public at the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters at Camp Bagong Diwa.

He thanked President Duterte for his efforts in modernizing the country’s police force.

The Duterte administration earmarked P21.1 billlion for the PNP’s modernization program from 2016 to 2019.

A total of 11,931 pieces of equipment were procured under the government’s capability enhancement program. Among these are 320 7.62 light machine guns, 231 5.56mm machine guns, 313 basic assault rifles,

3,666 magazines for assorted firearms and 160 base radios.

These equipment, Albayalde said, will be distributed to the elite Special Action Force and other police mobile forces.

The PNP Maritime Group, meanwhile, received 138 inflatable rubber boats that could be used for its search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, 176 unmarked light transport vehicles and 41 vans were reserved for police administrative, intelligence and investigation units and offices nationwide.

With the equipment, Albayalde said police officers have no reason “not to serve our countrymen.”

Director Jose Maria Victor Ramos, chief of the PNP Directorate for Logistics, said they expect to procure two helicopters, rifles and pistols.

“We are just finalizing our annual procurement plan,” he said.