PNP acquires 3 more choppers, 51 drones, assault rifles, machineguns
Three more helicopters were added in the air fleet of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the latest procurement spree worth 13 billion that also include thousands of assault rifles and machine guns, and 51 drones.
Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, PNP officerin-charge, said the delivery of two R44 training helicopter, and an Airbus H125 single-engine chopper will boost the air support during law enforcement functions of the police.
“We now have five (helicopters) and five more are coming, two are toward the end of this year and three more in the middle of next year,” said
Gamboa.
An airbus and a Bell chopper were earlier delivered to the PNP.
The five choppers, set to be delivered, are all airbuses, Gamboa said.
He said the two R44 training helicopters will be used to train police pilots in anticipation of more procurement of air assets in the future.
The two training choppers were delivered by the Lion Air, Inc., represented by Michael Maligat, head of Public Sector Projects Delivery Team, and three others.
In an interview, Maligat said that the price of the two brand new R44 training helicopters is a 176 million, the procurement process started at the time of then PNP chief and now Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.
“These R44 are okay for training on surveillance and reconnaissance before the pilots shift to attack helicopters,” said Maligat.
“As individuals of corporate entities, we should all do what we can to support initiatives for the betterment of law enforcement, for the benefit of all,” he added.
Aside from the choppers, also delivered were 51 drones; 21,992 units of Galil 5.56mm basic assault rifles; 1,667 units of K2C 5.56mm basic assault rifles; 205 units of K3 5.56mm light machineguns; eight units of NEGEV 5.56mm light machineguns; 141 units of NEGEV 7.62mm light machineguns; 18,354 units of 9mm pistols, and 7,962 units of helmets.
The assault rifles, machine guns, and helmets will be used by elite units of the PNP such as the Special Action Force (SAF).
Pilot test
Also delivered were 21 units of Explosive and Ordnance Division’K9 Patrol Vehicle and 34 units of utility trucks.
Gamboa said the utility trucks will be useful in the country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.
“Before these rucks are dispatched to the regions, they will be used for Southeast Asian Games until
December 11,” said Gamboa.
Big discount
Gamboa said the PNP saved a lot of money from the procurement, particularly on the firearms.
For instance, he said each of the Galil assault rifles was only bought for 168,000 compared to more than
1160,000 per piece bought by another law enforcement unit.
“Kinakantiyawan ko nga ang PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) because at 600 units, they got it at
1168,000 per piece,” said Gamboa. “What does this say? This says there is transparency. A lot of bidders joined so there is competitiveness,” he added.
Anomaly
It was recalled that the PNP was dragged into a controversy during the Arroyo administration after it bought two R44 choppers. It turned out that one of the choppers is a secondhand but was bought at a price of band new.
The two choppers became useless since they were not utilized being pieces of evidence on government officials charged in connection with the anomalous transaction.