PNP grounds 2 controversial choppers

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police  said Friday it has grounded two of three helicopters purchased in 2009 found to be second-hand after routine maintenance revealed certain “defects,” including in their electrical systems.

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said the two Robinson R44 Raven I helicopters bought from Manila Aerospace Trading (Maptra) have been put out of commission and will remain so until they are replaced by the supplier.

But Cruz said the third unit, a brand new Robinson R44 Raven II, was already being put to use for the PNP’s “Sky Patrol.”  The supply contract for the three choppers was worth P105 million but investigation revealed that two choppers had already logged more than 500 flying hours.

Cruz reiterated the PNP’s demand that Maptra replace the second-hand helicopters despite Maptra’s statement Thursday that another firm, Lionair Inc., the authorized dealer of Robinson choppers in the country, was answerable.

A Maptra representative earlier said it acted only as an agent for Lionair and that questions about the condition of the choppers must be addressed by the latter. But a Lionair executive said it only supplied two pre-owned and one brand new units to Maptra, and it was only Maptra that negotiated with the PNP.

In May 2009, the PNP, under the leadership of then Director General Jesus Versoza, negotiated with Maptra for the purchase of three equipped light police operational helicopters (LPOHs), later modified to only one equipped and two standard LPOHs. The contract was approved two months later.