DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte has called on the Davao City police to take care of the new patrol cars reminding them these are not for personal use.
The Davao City policemen received 26 Montero Sports mobile patrol cars given by the Japanese government to boost police visibility and crime-fighting capability.
Duterte urged the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to set the guidelines for the maintenance of the vehicle and put them to good use to last for many years.
He said it would be best for the police to create their maintenance schedule of the cars to ensure its good condition.
The President led the turnover ceremony, which was also attended by Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda, Philippine National Police Director Ronald dela Rosa, Police Regional Office 11 Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and DCPO Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum.
The 26 mobile patrol cars are part of the 100 patrol car donated by the Japanese government to the PNP last November.
The vehicles are part of an agreement between Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) and the Sojitz Corporation under Japan’s Grant Aid Program.
The assistance aims to contribute to the safety and socioeconomic development in the Philippines, through the provision of local and public counterterrorism and safety-related equipment.
“It should not be used for personal errands for any officer. It should be where the regulation directs them to be where they are,” Duterte reminded police.
He thanked the Japanese government for its generosity and for being a good friend and neighbour to the Philippines.
He said Davao City alone was recipient of so many projects and assistance of the Japanese government since 1988 during his first term as mayor here.
“We are truly grateful to the people and government of Japan for their unwavering support for this administration and the Filipino people,” he said.
Japanese envoy Haneda also assured President Duterte that his government will look forward to further extend the cooperation and friending of the two countries.
“As maintaining peace and order is one of the President’s main priorities, we are happy to help him on his campaign,” Haneda said.
City Police Chief Tagum also assured the president that the mobile patrol cars are in good hands and that the DCPO will never use it for personal errands.
“I have already asked Mayor Sara Duterte to hire more than 70 civilian drivers that will be in charge of the patrol cars of the DCPO including its maintenance,” he said.
Tagum said that the 26 Montero Sports will be assigned to the Mobile Patrol Group for faster dispatch and response.
Dela Rosa said the turnover of the cars are meaningful to start the year as these will benefit the mobile capability of the police.
Dela Rosa said the cars provide greater inspiration and empowerment of the police personnel. He stressed that the cars will help police personnel better secure the Filipino people and the foreigners who have chosen the country for their investments.
The PNP chief underscored the Japanese government and the Philippine police will journey together in the campaign for peace and security. (PNA)
