By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The modernization of the Philippine National Police (PNP) got a big boost on Monday with the acquisition of P1.672 billion worth of firearms, mobility, and protection equipment.
Among the items procured were 322 units of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, 383 4×4 personnel carriers, 32 heavy motorcycles, 225 light transport vehicles and 400 light motorcycles.
The PNP also bought 3,000 5.56mm basic assault rifles, 155 units of 5.56mm light machine guns, 4,989 enhanced combat helmets, and 505 multi-mode mobile devices.
The new firearms and equipment, along with protective gear, will be distributed to all police units across the country, according to acting PNP chief PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., graced the blessing of the newly procured equipment at Camp Crame.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said the procurement will boost not only the mobility but also the firepower and communication capabilities of police officers on the ground.
“The biggest problem of PNP is mobility. For Metro Manila lalong-lalo na, we have more than 40,000 police officers but only 500 police vehicles,” he noted.
He said the police force needs additional 2,000 in the next two years, adding that the PNP is projected to receive an additional 500 vehicles by January and 600 more by July next year
“This is only the start, we have another 500 coming this January and then another 600 coming in July to augment our forces,” Remulla said.
To further improve the PNP’s communication capability, the DILG chief said around 2,000 push-to-talk over cellular communication systems will be purchased before the end of the year.
These devices, he said, integrate a body camera, cellphone and radio in one unit. (PNA)
