The Philippine National Police (PNP) has acquired some P485 million worth of firearms and mobility and protection equipment in line with its modernization program.
PNP director for logistics Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes said the new equipment were procured under the PNP’s capability enhancement program in 2021 to 2023.
During Monday’s blessing rites, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., presented the newly purchased equipment including 3,243 striker-fired 9mm pistols worth P61.4 million, 406 pieces of automated night vision worth more than P121 million, and 2,648 all-purpose tactical vests worth over P113 million.
The PNP also acquired 11 light 150 cc motorcycles worth P1.57 million and five 650 cc heavy motorcycles and 143 single cab patrol jeepneys worth over P175 million.
“Yung transportation natin halos sa tingin ko 80 percent na yung last report na nababasa ko, 80 to 90 percent yung kumbaga objective natin na nako-comply na natin. Ang pinagpapasalamat ko is the LGUs (local government units) are also doing their part and malaking bagay yung support nila (Regarding our transportation, I think the last report I read is almost 80 percent. Eighty to 90 percent is our objective that we have already complied with. What I am grateful for is the LGUs (local government units) are also doing their part and their support is a big thing),” Acorda said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.
He said they are also planning to procure around 22,000 body-cameras for this year.
Acorda said the plan was part of PNP’s on-going efforts to keep the Philippines’ ranking as the third safest country in Southeast Asia as stated in the 2023 Global Law and Order Report of Washington-based think tank Gallup.
“Yes, we plan to buy around 22,000 body-worn cameras this year. It would be much better to get it at a lower price,” he said.
Aside from acquiring more devices for their operations, Acorda said they also plan to put up more police stations to accommodate about 6,000 recruits last year.
From a cop-population ratio of 1:500, Acorda said the recruitment lowered the ratio to 1:125.