Cops get P2.8B for firearms, jeeps, radios

The Department of Budget and Management has released P2.86 billion to the Philippine National Police for the purchase of more than 13,000 rifles, almost 5,000 mobile radios and 1,000 patrol jeeps, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad announced on Saturday.

The disbursement came in the wake of the series of bomb attacks in the southern Philippines and amid fears of similar attacks in Manila and other major cities.

Abad said the multibillion-peso disbursement is in line with the PNP’s Transformation Plan for 2013, “aimed at enhancing the capability of the police force and improving crime prevention and security nationwide.”

The release will cover the procurement of mission-essential equipment for mobility, firepower, communication and investigation, as well as the repair and maintenance of police stations.

“Ensuring sustained and inclusive development also depends on the government’s ability to facilitate peace and order in the country,” Abad said.

Of the total amount, P2.5 billion will go toward the procurement of 1,000 patrol jeeps, 13,597 long firearms and 4,997 mobile radios, Abad said.

It would also fund the improvement of the firearms identification system, designed to enhance police investigative capabilities in firearms-related cases, he added.

Of the total allocation, Abad said P344 million would cover minor repairs and the repainting of 810 of the most dilapidated police stations, as well as fund the procurement of ammunition and other supplies for PNP maneuver units.

Abad said P655 million is also due for release for the creation of new positions and the hiring of 7,439 nonuniformed personnel or civilian employees who would be assigned to regional offices to undertake mostly administrative work.    Norman Bordadora