PNP gets $3-M counter-terror gear from U.S. gov’t
THE Philippine National Police on Wednesday received U.S. $3 million-worth of state-of-the-art equipment from the United States government which officials led by General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. said would significantly boost their counter-terrorism efforts.
U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay L. Carlson formally turned over the U.S. government donation to the Regional Explosives Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.
The modern equipment came from the Office of Anti-terrorism Assistance Program of the U.S. Diplomatic Security Services,
The donated equipment valued at over $3.3 million or roughly P165 million include 31 Bomb Suits, 37 Digital SCANX, 40 X-Ray Sources, 10 EOD Bomb Suit Batteries, 33 High-Risk Search Techniques Kits, 13 Seeker-e Kits, and seven Ford Ranger pick-up trucks.
The new equipment, according to PNP Director for Logistics, Major Gen. Ronaldo E. Olay will significantly enhance the PNP’s capabilities in detecting, preventing, and responding to terrorist threats in the country. Olay received the donation on behalf of the PNP.
The turn-over ceremony was attended by ranking officials from both the PNP and the U.S. Embassy who emphasized the importance of the donation in strengthening the partnership between the two countries in addressing security concerns.
“We are extremely grateful for this donation, which will undoubtedly be a game-changer in our ability to fulfill our mission to keep our communities safe from terrorism and other forms of criminality. This donation also highlights the strong partnership between the Philippine National Police and the American embassy, and we are deeply appreciative of this gesture of support from our American allies,” Maj. Gen. Olay said.
Ambassador Carlson stressed the US government’s commitment to supporting the Philippines in its fight against terrorism during the program.
“The United States remains steadfast in its friendship and commitment to the Government of the Philippines, and we are very proud of our continuing partnership in the fight against terrorism. I am confident that working together, we will be able to deter, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism,” she said.
Colonel Albert G. Magno, the acting director of the PNP EOD/K9 Group which will be the end-user of the brand-new equipment, assured the public that the tolls and vehicles would be put to good use in serving the Filipino people and protecting them from the threat of terrorism.
During the program, officers of the PNP EOD/K9 Group exhibited their proficiency in handling explosive devices and identifying prohibited substances through the utilization of expertly trained K9s and other operational robotics machinery.
