PNP gets P506.9 million vehicles, equipment

MANILA, Philippines — The operational readiness of Philippine National Police personnel in securing the Holy Week break got an added boost with the PNP’s acquisition of mobility assets and equipment amounting to P506.9 million.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. yesterday led the ceremonial blessing and presentation of the new assets at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The PNP acquired 800 sets of civil disturbance management equipment, 3,711 all-purpose waistcoat vests, 600 sets of non-lethal equipment, 403 autogated night vision devices, 117 4x4 personnel carriers and 71 light motorcycles.

“This will augment the capability of our patrollers and units to deter focus crimes,” Nartatez told reporters.

The focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, car theft and motorcycle theft, which police monitor when assessing the peace and order situation in their areas of responsibility.

Nartatez said the additional assets would boost the capability of police units on the ground, particularly tourist destinations during the Holy Week.

The PNP went on full alert on Tuesday, with over 100,000 personnel and augmentation forces from other government agencies and force multipliers securing travelers who will spend the Lenten break in the provinces.

Up to 98,636 police officers have been deployed, backed by 12,507 personnel from other government agencies and 37,050 force multipliers, for a security contingent of at least 148,193 personnel.

They are securing airports, seaports, transportation hubs, major thoroughfares, tourist destinations, places of worship, vital installations and other areas of public convergence.

Nartatez said the PNP is expecting more vehicles and equipment from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Among these are 700 motorcycles and body-worn cameras.