PNP unveils P506-M new gear

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday unveiled P506 million worth of new vehicles and tactical equipment aimed at boosting operational readiness ahead of the Holy Week travel rush.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. led the blessing and presentation of the assets at Camp BGen. Rafael T. Crame. The procurement includes a mix of mobility assets and protective gear funded through the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles.

Under the fiscal year 2025 Capability Enhancement Program, the PNP acquired P244.7 million in equipment, featuring 3,711 all-purpose vests, 800 sets of civil disturbance management gear, 600 sets of nonlethal equipment, and 403 night-vision devices.

An additional P262.3 million was allocated through 2024 congressional adjustments for 117 four-wheel-drive personnel carriers and 71 light motorcycles.

Nartatez said the new assets are earmarked for police units nationwide, with a specific priority on tourist police to improve visibility and response times at major travel hubs and landmarks.