Escudero backs DILG plan to get bomb-sniffing dogs

MANILA, Philippines— To enhance its capability, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is planning to get 45 units of explosive detection dogs, which cost P500,000  each.

The need for more bomb sniffing dogs was emphasized by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on finance, when he defended on the floor Tuesday night the proposed budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and its attached agencies, including the PNP.

The issue was brought up when Senator Grace Poe inquired about the PNP’s equipment included in the proposed budget next year.

Sen. Grace Poe. FILE PHOTO

“Mr. President, there is a P2-billion capability enhancement fund for year 2015, which is the annual capital outlay broken down as follows, Mr. President, your honor: Patrol Jeeps, single cab, 1,392 units; 9mm pistol, 10,004 units—kasi zero backlog na daw sila, eto yung para sa bagong hire na—5.56mm basic assault rifle, 3,244 units; 5.56m squad automatic weapon, 84 units; ballistic helmet level 3, 1,506 units; tactical vest level 3 A, 951 units; Waist coast vest level 3 A, 951 units; and explosive detection dogs, 45 units,”  Escudero said.

“I’m just curious—magkano yung isang aso?” asked Poe.

Escudero said: “P500,000 Mr. President, your honor, is the listed unit price.”

“For a trained K9? Hm. Okay,” was Poe’s only reply.

Poe then asked about the current peace and order situation, noting the reported decline of crime incidence in the country.

Escudero confirmed  the decline, saying that from 846, 147 in 2013, the  total volume  of crime has gone  down to  346, 469 for  the first semester of 2014.

“For the first semester only, Mr. President, your honor. Less than half of what was reported last year,” he said.

“That’s quite commendable. Would it be safe to say that there are certain reorganization or reassignment of personnel that was done?” asked Poe to which Escudero confirmed, quoting Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II.