GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The provincial government of South Cotabato turned over on Wednesday some P4.4 million worth of patrol vehicles and rescue equipment to the local police.
South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said the new vehicles and equipment were among the grants lined up by the local government this year to enhance the capability of police units and fire stations in the province.
She said these were earlier requested by the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection-South Cotabato.
“These are part of the support packages that we have committed to help improve their operations,” Fuentes said.
The governor said they comprised of a police patrol vehicle worth P2.3 million, a van-type ambulance worth P2 million and four self-contained breathing apparatus worth P147,500.
The patrol vehicle was turned over to the South Cotabato police and the rescue vehicle to the BPF station in Surallah town.
A breathing apparatus is a device worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others concerned to provide breathable air in an “immediately dangerous to life or health atmosphere.”
They were released to BFP units or stations in the municipalities of Lake Sebu, Surallah, Sto. Nino, Norala and T’boli.
The governor said the patrol vehicle was acquired through the provincial government’s peace and order fund while the ambulance and breathing apparatus from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council fund.
“This is a continuing assistance program to our law enforcement units and we’re currently looking into some of their important needs,” Fuentes said.
Earlier this year, the local government also turned over patrol vehicles and motorcycles to police units in the province.
The governor said they are also planning to acquire firearms to augment the capability of local police stations.(FKA/PNA)
