PNP acquires P3-B worth of equipment

– The Philippine National Police (PNP) has acquired more helicopters and other equipment worth some P2.88 billion to further boost its firepower and mobility assets.

During the presentation of the newly-procured assets at the PNP Grandstand in Camp Crame on Monday, PNP chief, Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said the acquisition is part of the modernization of the country’s police force.

Topping the list of the new assets are two singleengine turbine helicopters worth P225 million.

The police force now has a total of seven helicopters, two of which will be sent to the Visayas and Mindanao, and the remaining will be used at the national headquarters.

Gamboa said he is eyeing for the purchase of three more helicopters before his term ends.

“We have seven as of now. Hopefully, before I retire, the last three will be coming up so we will leave the PNP with 10 (helicopters),” he said in an interview with reporters.

Other newly-acquired assets include 37 units of medium troop carriers -- worth P3.1 million each -- and 12 pickups worth P1.6 million each.

The trucks would be utilized by the Special Action Force, Gamboa said.

Also procured were 501 units of combat helmets worth P32 million; firearms such as light machine gun, basic assault rifle, pistol, and magazines; and bomb equipment such as explosive ordnance division robot, undershirt vest, night vision goggles, ballistic eyewear, handheld radio, among others.