PNP acquires P2.8 billion mobility equipment

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday acquired P2.8 billion worth of equipment that is expected to boost the mobility and operational capabilities of its units on the ground.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa yesterday witnessed the blessing of the equipment at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The purchase was sourced from the Capability Enhancement Program (CEP) of 2014-2019, Congressional Initiative Allocation (CIA) of 2018-2019 and the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2017-2018.

Leading the list of purchased equipment are two single-engine turbine helicopters worth P225 million each.

Gamboa said they now have seven helicopters in their fleet, with three more expected to be delivered within the year.

“When everything arrives, we will be deploying probably two in Mindanao and two in the Visayas,” he told reporters.

Aside from the helicopters, other acquired equipment are 37 medium troop carriers acquired from Russia, 9,737 units of 5.56-mm basic assault rifles, 24,909 units of 9-mm caliber pistols, 25 units of 7.62-mm light machine guns, a bomb suit, 397 handheld radios and three signal jammers.

Gamboa said the latest additions are part of the PNP’s effort to enhance aerial assets, firepower, mobility and tactical capabilities of their units.

The PNP chief gave assurance that all the equipment are brand new and underwent rigorous inspection to ensure they have no defects.

“They really followed the parameters during the acceptance process to see to it that they are compliant with standards,” he said.

Other notable personalities present during the equipment’s unveiling were Deputy Speaker Rep. Henry Oaminal of the 2nd District of Misamis Occidental and Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, officer-in-charge of the Department of Budget and Management’s procurement service unit.