In a statement, the national police force said that Romualdez expressed support for the proposal when it was raised in his meeting with PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. about the crime situation in the country, particularly the recent wave of attacks on local government officials.
Romualdez, according to the PNP, backed the bid to recruit 10,000 policemen per year and acquire more equipment for the national police.
Only a 1,000 recruitment quota was set for new police officers in 2022 and 2023, the PNP said.
“Romualdez assured Abalos and Azurin that the House of Representatives will provide support through legislation for adequate funding for recruitment, information technology, and capability enhancement to carry out the fight against crime, as well as priority action on pending legislation for the reorganization and modernization of the police force,” the PNP said.
The PNP added that Romualdez wants tighten policies on firearm licenses by requiring additional training on gun safety and thorough background checks on any individual seeking to purchase a firearm.
Abalos, meantime, said the PNP had already been directed to intensify its crackdown on organized crime groups and loose firearms.
“This is now a serious campaign–tamaan man kung sino man ang tamaan (we don’t care about whoever gets hit). We will do our mandate,” he added.
Despite the spate of violent attacks on local government executives, Azurin cited data from the Directorate of Investigation and Detective Management which showed a decrease in crime volume between January 1 and February 15 compared to the same period last year.
Attacks on three local government officials were reported in a span of five days, killing one vice mayor, three police officers, and six civilians.
The first attack wounded Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. and his aide Ali Tabao in Kalilangan, Bukidnon, on Feb. 17.
Adiong’s driver, identified only as Kobi, and three of his police aides were killed in the ambush.
Two days later, Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda, and five of his companions—John Duane Alameda, Abraham Ramos Jr., Ismael Nanay, Alexander delos Angeles, and Alvin Abel—were shot dead in an ambush in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya.
Mayor Ohto Montawal of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur, who was hurt after motorcycle-riding men shot his van along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City on Feb. 22.
The spate of gun attacks had prompted Azurin to instruct all regional police chiefs to conduct an assessment of the security threats hounding all elected and appointed officials in their jurisdiction.