PNP’s crime-fighting efficiency gets boost with 4 new choppers

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MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) acquired more helicopters and other equipment as part of PHP3-billion worth of equipment to further boost operational capability and visibility.

Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Victor Ramos, chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee on Monday presented to PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa the newly-acquired police equipment amounting to PHP3,030,928,724 sourced from Capability Enhancement Program for calendar years 2012-2016, 2018, and 2019, Regular Agency Fund 2018 and the Presidential Contingency Fund.

Gamboa said the delivery of two R44 training helicopters, one unit of Bell 429 twin-engine helicopter and an Airbus H125 single-engine chopper would be a big boost in the law enforcement functions of the police in terms of air support.

“We now have five (helicopters) and five more are coming, two are towards the end of this year and three more in the middle of next year,” Gamboa told reporters after the blessing of newly-procured police equipment at the PNP Grandstand, Camp Crame in Quezon City.

These aircraft complement the Airbus H125 single-engine chopper which was earlier delivered to the organization.

The five other choppers which will be delivered are all from Airbus, according to Gamboa.

Gamboa said the two R44 helicopters will be used to train police pilots in anticipation of more procurement of air assets in the future.

The two training choppers were delivered by Lion Air Inc. represented by Michael Maligat, head of Public Sector Projects Delivery Team and three others.

In a separate interview, Maligat said the two brand-new R44 training helicopters are worth PHP76 million.

The procurement for these helicopters started during the time of then PNP chief and now Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

“These R44 are okay for training on surveillance and reconnaissance before the pilots shift to attack helicopters. As individuals of corporate entities, we should all do what we can to support initiatives for the betterment of law enforcement, for the benefit of all,” he added.

Aside from the choppers, also delivered were 51 drones; 21,992 units of Galil 5.56mm Basic Assault Rifles; 1,667 units of K2C 5.56mm Basic Assault Rifles; 205 units of K3 5.56mm Light Machine Guns; eight units of NEGEV 5.56mm Light Machine Guns; 141 units of NEGEV 7.62mm Light Machine Guns; 18,354 units of 9mm pistols and 7,962 units of helmets.

The assault rifles, machine guns, and helmets will be used by elite units of the PNP such as the Special Action Force.

Also delivered were 21 units of Explosive and Ordnance Division’s K9 Patrol Vehicle and 34 units of utility trucks.

Gamboa said the utility trucks will be useful in the country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.

“Before these rucks are dispatched to the regions, they will be used for Southeast Asian Games until December 11,” said Gamboa.

Gamboa said the PNP saved a lot of money from the procurement, particularly on the firearms.

For instance, he said each of the Galil assault rifles was only bought for PHP68,000 compared to more than PHP160,000 per piece bought by another law enforcement unit.

Gamboa said these latest additions are part of the continuing effort of the PNP leadership and the national government to enhance the firepower, mobility, and tactical capabilities of PNP operating units.