MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he welcomes the decision of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to give the 10 Hummer trucks which were smuggled into the country to the military and the police.
“That is a very welcome development. Kailangan natin (ito) sa(We need this for the) CEP (Capability Enhancement Program). Alam natin yung ating kapulisan, even the (Armed Forces of the Philippines), meron pa rin tayong kakulangan (hindi lang) sa(We know that our police force, and even the AFP is lacking not only in) mobility but also in communication and investigation equipment. We want to thank the President atconcerned siya sa (for his concern for the) CEP,” Albayalde told reporters.
The PNP chief said if the donation pushes through, maintenance would not be much of a problem as the PNP used to operate Hummers in the past.
The seized Hummers were spared from destruction of 69 smuggled luxury vehicles which were witnessed by the President on Monday.
“Remember, we were once issued a Hummer and maramingcivilian nagmamay-ari ng Hummer. Marami nagmemekaniko at gumagawa ng repairs (There are many civilians who own a Hummer. There are also those who know how to fix and repair these),” Albayalde added.
The PNP’s CEP has hit snags following the failure of one supplier to provide post-acquisition service and support for the PNP’s India-made Mahindra brand patrol vehicles. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
