The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently acquired a fleet of brand new vehicles to boost its operational capability and visibility. Specifically, the PNP received 240 new vehicles worth PHP 818 million.

Four days before his retirement, PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar led the commissioning ceremony of 10 utility trucks, 13 shuttle buses, 90 4x4 troop carriers, and 127 police patrol vehicles in Camp Crame, Quezon City. According to Eleazar, these were procured by the PNP Bids and Awards Committee using funds from the Capability Enhancement Program 2021 with a total price of PHP 818,175,766.

PNP acting director for logistics, Brigadier General Ronaldo Olay said the 10 utility trucks will be issued to five Area Police Offices in North Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, Eastern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao. Meanwhile, the 13 shuttle buses will be used by Police Regional Offices and the PNP Academy.

The 90 troop carriers will be given to Police Mobile Forces and Municipal Police Stations located in rugged and mountainous terrain. Last but not least, the 127 police patrol vehicles will be distributed to various police stations across the country.

With the newly-acquired vehicles, PNP spokesperson Colonel Roderick Alba shared that the PNP is currently maintaining a fleet of 20,000 ground mobile assets. This represents 53% of the required 37,000 units to fully support police operations nationwide.

With the newly-acquired vehicles ready for duty, we won't be surprised to see them patrolling the streets or used in operations immediately.