PNP projects worth P15B to include firing ranges, combat simulation facility

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday it is proposing almost P15 billion worth of infrastructure projects, including a combat simulation facility and firing ranges, to boost its modernization program with better facilities.

During a meeting of the PNP and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over the weekend, Maj. Gen. Edwin Roque, PNP Director for Logistics, said all documents and requirements have been submitted for final validation for the 2020 prioritization program.

Under the PNP’s proposal, a total of P14,843,473,726.47 will be allotted to the police force for infrastructure projects in all 17 police regional offices nationwide.

Aside from the combat simulation facility and firing ranges, the PNP also plans to build police station buildings; buildings for provincial offices; barracks, quarters, and dormitories for city police offices and provincial mobile force companies; additional buildings for the national headquarters and regional headquarters, among others.

Quoting Dr. Maria Catalina Cabral, DPWH Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership, the PNP said the department acknowledged the urgency of availability of the infrastructure being proposed by the national police.

At the sidelines of the meeting, Cabral also sought the assistance of the PNP in securing DPWH projects, as terrorists and criminals burn building equipment and sabotage projects in some provinces.

At present, a five-storey multi-purpose carpark building funded by the DPWH is being constructed at Camp Crame.

The building will have 176 parking slots, 12 multi-purpose function halls, drivers’ lounge, concessionaire spaces, pavilion and roof deck, 32 comfort rooms, and an administration office.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said “all these proposed projects will go a long way in enhancing effectiveness and productivity of the PNP in performing mandated law enforcement and public safety functions.”/ac