Video by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
210 brand new troop carriers worth P1.8 million each will soon be distributed to special units of the Philippine National Police nationwide.
Two hundred ten troop carriers turned over to the PNP. PHOTO by Julliane Love De Jesus
The Kia-manufactured medium patrol jeeps were turned over to the PNP on Wednesday. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina led the blessing of 210 police vehicles in Camp Crame.
The patrol vehicles, which cost the PNP P397 million, will be sent to maneuver units, particularly the regional public safety battalions and companies of the PNP across the country to “enhance rapid deployment capability.”
In a message after the ceremony, he boasted the features of the newly acquired four-by-four jeeps attached with electric winches, which have a pulling capacity of 12,000 pounds.
“Ibig sabihin, itong mga sasakyang ito ay supposed to be nandoon sa mga kabundukan at kabukiran at sa mga mahirap na abuting mga lugar kaya binigyan sila ng kakayahang four-by-four at mga winch,” Roxas said.
Each carrier has a capacity of 10 to 12 persons.
He said the PNP saved more than P70 million from its original P476 million procurement budget from the Department of Budget and Management.
The excess funds, according to Roxas, will either be returned to the DBM or will be used for future acquisitions of the PNP. AC