`Sky Police’ launched to chase criminals, monitor traffic situation

DON’T be surprised if you suddenly hear helicopters hovering around your neighborhood.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Tuesday deployed three Robinson-44 RII helicopters to conduct aerial surveillance patrol and anticrime operations in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said the “Sky Police” program was aimed at providing faster police response to crimes reported in the metropolis.

“This is primarily for crime fighting. But the helicopters can also be used in other emergencies such as disaster response,” he told reporters after the program’s launch in Camp Crame.

Robredo admitted that the PNP had bought the aircraft previously for the Sky Police program although it was only now that they were being used for the purpose.

However, a check made by the Inquirer showed that the undertaking was actually just a relaunch of a similar project implemented by then PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa in 2009.

The PNP had purchased the choppers for over P100 million as part of its P10 billion capability enhancement program.

Equipped with a high-resolution camera with infrared imaging, Robredo said the helicopters were capable of conducting night patrol and video recording.

He added that the police aircraft could fly straight for four hours before refueling.

“Of course, this will also assist us in our anticar theft efforts since they will be deployed together with police vehicles,” Robredo said.

Pilots of the PNP Special Action Force will man the helicopters which will be stationed at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, he said.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Director Nicanor Bartolome, meanwhile, encouraged stakeholders, particularly local government units and the private sector, to support the campaign which would keep the streets safer and help the police pursue criminals on the run.

“It will give officers a bird’s eye view of the situation, and they can help our ground units catch criminals with more efficiency,” NCRPO spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in a separate interview.

He added that two flights would be scheduled in the morning and afternoon, each lasting two hours.

When not in pursuit of criminals, the Sky Police will observe the traffic situation in Metro Manila, he said. With a report from Miko Morelos