Govt backs PNP with P2.83-B fund for facilities, equipment

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P2.83 billion to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the improvement of the police force’s infrastructure, facilities, and equipment.

Charged against the P22.47-billion Supplemental Appropriations for FY 2014, this release would cover the implementation of the PNP’s Operational Transformation Plan (OTP). The OTP’s requirements would need Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) amounting to P142.6 million as well as Capital Outlay (CO) expenses worth P2.69 billion.

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “We recognize that inclusive development would require a safe and secure environment where all Filipinos can benefit from the country’s economic growth. That’s why one of the priority projects funded by the 2014 Supplemental Budget was a program that would improve the capability of our country’s law-enforcement agency.”

The fund would cover appropriations for mobility, firearms, communication, investigation, ISO equipment, and infrastructure facilities of the PNP. Of the P2.8 billion, almost half will be for the procurement of 218,790 firearms worth P1.04 billion. This is followed closely by the purchase of 945 motor vehicles, which would amount to P944.5 million.

Abad said, “Despite the challenges facing the PNP, the National Government fully supports the police force in fulfilling their mandate to prevent crime and maintain peace and order. In doing so, we place value not only on the PNP as an organization but also on the service and sacrifice of our valiant and fearless policemen.”

Lodged under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the PNP received a total appropriation of P70 billion in the 2015 National Budget. (DBM)