Modernizing the Police Force
What does modernizing the police force require? Equipment. Slowly and surely. Little by little. And this is what’s been happening in the Duterte administration.
Pictured here are two high-speed tactical watercrafts, given to the Zamboanga City Police late last year. 20 more were given throughout the country.
Aside from the watercrafts, the government acquired 11 shuttle buses, 355 single cab 4 x 2 patrol jeeps, 5,767 Galil Ace 22N 5.56mm basic assault rifles, and 214 VHF low band handheld radios. These are all part of the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030.
READ: AFP Modernization makes slow but steady strides
The watercrafts will be “utilized for preventive patrol and anti-criminality/terrorism operations along coastal waters in Zamboanga City,” according to Police Regional Office 9.
“The high speed watercraft worth 13.6 million each is complete with accessories and armed with 7.62 mm machineguns. Each boat is powered by 3 outboard motors and able to reach speeds of more than 40 knots.”
Long time coming
Of course, the task of modernizing the police force is one that is long overdue. Kailangan po talaga ito, para hindi po pinagtatawanan ang ating kapulisan. Aside from that, improving our police capabilities will be part of a redemption story, as the past months have been embarrassing for the PNP.
Multiple shooting incidents brought names like Jonel Nuezca and Winston Ragos into national and international consciousness, and brought shame to the uniform.
Slowly, we must restore people’s trust in those tasked to serve and protect. Big thanks to this administration for continuing these modernization efforts. Apart from vehicles, weapons, body cameras, and other high-tech devices are expected to be in the hands of our brave men and women. These improvements will not only increase their safety, but of course, ours – since we are their responsibility.
2017: PNP Eastern Visayas receive 45 brand new Toyota Prius hybrid cars
What do you think should come next when modernizing our police force?
