The Philippine National Police turned over new firearms and other equipment worth P15 million on Oct. 19 to capacitate the police and assure the safety of the public against criminals and New Peoples Army terrorists.
PNP chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan, led the turnover of 200 Galil firearms; 72,000 rounds of ammunition; 1,400 magazines for long firearms, 100 glow in the dark flashlights, and a mobile patrol service vehicle to the Baguio City Police (BCPO).
The firearms are part of the 1,800 Galil firearms allotted to the Police Regional Office-Cordillera for this year, all of which are expected to be released before the end of the year.
“The equipment and supplies for policemen in the country including the specialized forces are being upgraded to assure the safety and readiness of the men in uniform in responding to criminal activities, insurgents, and terrorists,” Cascolan said during the turnover ceremony after the flag-raising rites.
He said the grant is part of the changes in the PNP’s operations where units tasked to focus on anti-criminality, anti-insurgency, and anti-terrorism campaigns are provided with new supplies and equipment.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong thanked the PNP for the donations, which he said will enhance the capability of the BCPO, specifically the Special Weapon and Tactics team.
“Huwag ka sanang magsasawang magbigay sa BCPO at sa PRO-Cor hindi dahil tagarito ka but because it is fit and proper to arm and capacitate our policemen,” Magalong said.
Magalong, a retired police general himself, encouraged the police to continue providing good service to the residents considering the support they are getting from the government.
Magalong also turned over a check worth P7.2 million to the BCPO to be used for the purchase of hand-held radios.
PRO-Cor Director B/Gen. R’win Pagkalinawan, during the opening of the Regional Special Weapons and Tactics Challenge last week, said more equipment will be given to the personnel as the PNP continues to procure more supplies.
Pagkalinawan said the acquisition of special equipment for special forces is part of the organization’s goals to make sure all police personnel are prepared when it comes to special operations.
“It is now a priority for PRO-Cor to be able to counter our enemies, which is why I intend to suit up our men to make sure that just from their tactical gear alone, our enemies will be forced to surrender. This should be the standard of a Cordillera warrior, and we will continue to provide them with the necessary equipment,” Pagkalinawan said. – PNA
