PNP wants own plane, better equipment

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is hoping to have it own aircraft as well as high-end logistical and communications equipment to boost its capabilities in securing future elections.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said included in their wish list is an aircraft that could rapidly deploy troops from Special Action Force (SAF) anywhere in the country.

The PNP currently has three helicopters that were procured under the government’s capability enhancement program from 2016 to 2019 worth P21.1 billion. Three more helicopters will be delivered within the year.

Not included, however, is an aircraft that the PNP was hoping to buy.

“Unfortunately, the aircraft was not included. We are hoping as it could be used for rapid deployment,” Albayalde said over the weekend.

The PNP also wants to purchase in the future more armored personnel carriers and 4x4 vehicles for them to reach far-flung areas especially during elections.

Albayalde said they are also in need of advanced communications equipment so that reports would be delivered in real time.

He pointed out that in other areas such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the transmission of reports to the national headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City was usually delayed.