MOTORISTS pass through Quezon Avenue as construction for the Metro Manila Subway and plans for a new bus lane move forward.
Photo by Analy Labor for the DAILY TRIBUNE.
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Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla is pushing a bold plan to help Metro Manila address its shortage of police vehicles, proposing a “buy one, give one” scheme for local governments.
Remulla introduced the idea during the Regional Peace and Order Council–National Capital Region (RPOC–NCR) meeting in Taguig, where he emphasized the urgent need to improve the mobility and presence of law enforcement on the ground.
“What I am proposing is we go back-to-back. You buy one, we give you one,” Remulla told Metro Manila mayors, offering a direct solution to the glaring lack of police vehicles in the country’s most populous region.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the country’s overall crisis and emergency response capabilities.
“There is a clear disparity. Metro Manila, with over 14 million people, has only 635 police vehicles. Cavite, with 4.5 million people, has 801. This has to be corrected,” Remulla pointed out.
Aside from four-wheeled patrol units, Remulla is also pushing for the acquisition of more police motorcycles. He cited the importance of maximizing the riding skills of police personnel to help them navigate Metro Manila’s dense traffic and narrow streets.
“Fifty percent of our police force cannot drive, but 90 percent know how to ride a scooter. That is a gap we must address,” he said.
The DILG is also looking at upgrading firefighting capabilities, particularly in urban areas with cramped alleyways that conventional trucks cannot enter. Remulla said the agency plans to purchase mini fire trucks tailored to these environments.
Recently, the department supported the turnover of 41 electric vehicles to the Valenzuela City Government, funded through the 2024 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). These vehicles are expected to improve law enforcement mobility while promoting environmental sustainability.
Beyond increasing numbers, Remulla stressed that proper equipment, accessibility, and personnel readiness are all essential to ensuring safe and secure communities.
With the buy one, give one scheme, the DILG hopes to spark greater collaboration between national and local governments in addressing longstanding gaps in emergency response. For Remulla, the goal is clear: give law enforcement the tools they need to serve the people better.
