Makati cops get P93-M firearms from city gov’t

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City government has donated more than P93 million worth of firearms and other protective and crime-fighting equipment to its local police “to strengthen its capability to maintain peace and order in the city.”

Mayor Abby Binay said the city government had turned over to Makati police more than 200 units of Tavor and Galil assault rifles, 45 tactical masks, 105  Meprolight rifle scopes, and two Dillon Precision reloading machines.

In total, the city government allotted P93.4 million, or 0.5 percent, of its total 2020 city budget of P18 billion.

“We continue to give priority to the modernization of the local police force’s equipment. We know how crucial it is to enhance their crime-fighting capability especially during the pandemic, for the sake of our residents and all other stakeholders,” Binay said.

Last month, the city government turned over a number of protective gear to the city police, including 3,390 pairs of combat shoes, 3,571 pairs of patrol shoes, 1,488 holsters with rig, 691 sets of athletic uniforms, 2,142 handcuffs, 1,339 belts and 1,116 bull caps.

Makati ranked fourth among the Top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia in a survey conducted by international online research group Numbeo.

Binay attributed the high safety index of Makati to “strong police visibility and the substantial support of the city government.”

—Dexter Cabalza