SENIOR officials of the Philippine National Police on Monday asked President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III to extend their Capability Enhancement Program aimed at improving the 140,000-strong police force’s “move, shoot, investigate and communicate” capabilities in the next five years.
That means the PNP will have more time to acquire the latest weaponries, vehicles, communication and information technology equipment, Internal Security and Anti-Terrorism equipment and crowd disturbance management or anti-riot equipment during the period.
PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said they took the opportunity to ask Aquino when he presided over a PNP command conference.
The PNP procured nearly P775 million to purchase new equipment including 144 Toyota Hi-Lux patrol jeeps, 100 Toyota Innova patrol utility vehicles; 499 assault rifles; 148 40mm grenade launchers and 57 Squad Automatic Weapons which were distributed according to priority.
The PNP is giving premium on its mobility, firepower, communication equipment and anti-terrorism equipment. To prevent anomalous purchases similar to the ones discovered during Arroyo administration, the PNP procurement management system has been strengthened in such a way that only mission essential equipment and other police items being procured are ‘brand-new’ and ‘latest year manufactured’ to serve the best interest of the police force.
The President said he was greatly impressed with the PNP’s successes in the anti-crime campaign over the past two years including in the drive against most wanted persons and car thefts.
The PNP modernization program started in 1998 during the time of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The PNP was given P2 billion a year to help its modernization program during the Aquino administration.
Bartolome said they were told by Aquino that he will consult the matter with the Department of Budget.
PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero A. Cruz Jr. said another five–year extension of the program with the same budget allotment should be enough to modernize the organization.
Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 15
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Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 15
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Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 15
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Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 14
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Published : Thursday May 24, 2012 | Category : National | Views : 13
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